Hydrastis Canadensis.

[Golden seal (Hydrastis) is endangered. Don't use it unless you know it's cultivated, not wildcrafted. --Henriette]

Properties: Tonic, alterative, laxative.

Physiological action: It has stimulating properties, influencing the nervous system, similar to nux vomica. However, its action is much slower but more permanent in its results. In very large doses it may cause anesthesia of the skin, showing its powerful action on the peripheral nerves and circulation. Convulsions have been known to result from excessively large doses.

Use: Its influence is on the nervous system and it is indicated in general relaxed condition of the system and mucous membrane. Therefore of value in chronic or subacute catarrhal conditions of the mucous membranes when they are relaxed, showing atony. However, its widest range is in functional disorders of the stomach. Atonic conditions of the digestive organs, catarrhal gastritis, atonic dyspepsia, hepatic congestion, catarrh of the gall ducts, prostrating night sweats. In uterine subinvolution which has menorrhagia or metrorrhagia as a result. In ulcers of the stomach it is a valuable remedy. Hydrastis stimulates the removal of excess of intra-uterine fibrous growths and is therefore of use in fibrous tumors. Of value in cancers locally and internally. In gonorrheal leucorrhea it is a good local remedy used in a douche. It stimulates circulation, respiration, imparts tone to the muscular structure of the heart and increases arterial tension. Increases capillary blood pressure, increases peristalsis and gives tone to the gastro-intestinal tract.

The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.