Goldenseal Nasal Wash: Benefits, Uses & Berberine's Power

Goldenseal is plant native to North America that Native American tribes used for skin problems, digestive troubles and infection. Found in shady forest locations, goldenseal features small white flowers and raspberry-like fruit. A compound called berberine is produced by the plant that serves as a natural antibacterial agent, and is responsible for the yellow color of the root. Berberine is also thought to strengthen white blood cells and the immune system. Goldenseal can be used both internally and externally depending on the ailment. For cold remedies, it is often used in combination with echinacea, another immunity-boosting plant. When made into a tea it can help alleviate sore throat, and when used as a nasal wash can help reduce mucus production and sinus pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Neti pot
• Goldenseal capsules
• Salt
• Warm water

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether your cold symptoms would be helped by goldenseal. Goldenseal should only be used when your nose and sinuses are producing mucous, and is most effective when mucous is yellow, green or brown.

• 2

  Fill the neti pot with 1 cup luke-warm water. Use caution when evaluating the water temperature; do not make it so hot it will burn your sensitive nasal membranes.

• 3

  Mix ¼ tsp. salt into the warm water and allow it to dissolve completely. You may use ordinary cooking or table salt; iodized salt is also acceptable. Mix 1 1/2 tsp. of goldenseal tincture, or a half a tsp. of extract into 1 cup of the saline water.

• 4

  Lean over a sink or bathtub, tilt your head to the side and pour the solution into one nostril. Let the liquid flow through the sinuses and out the other nostril. Irrigate the sinuses two to three times per day, until symptoms abate.