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Goldenseal is on the endangered species list. (No, it's not a Chinese herb and not in our products!) Now what and how safe is this herb for general use? Goldenseal can treat almost any disease, although its application requires some caution. For example, Goldenseal can cause an elevation in the white cell count. This is not necessarily a good thing for all people, particularly those with anemia, leukemia, or in pregnancy. Also, it is not good long-term, because this elevated white blood cell count can create misinformation for the immune system. Goldenseal has a laxative quality which again makes it contraindicated for pregnancy. Any induced "downward" movement is not called for until the time of delivery. And, those with a long history of sinus problems, sinus infections, and overuse of antibiotics may find that goldenseal can lead to over-drying of the sinuses. Goldenseal acts to detoxify the liver, and during an illness is not the best time to be detoxifying. It will weaken you. Burning the candle at both ends is not ever recommended, and healing yourself with herbs requires cooperation on your part. Rest, proper diet, fluids, etc. are all components of successful treatment with herbs. However, it is in this area that Cold Snap excels. If you have to push beyond your limits for, say, an important presentation, concert tickets, or whatever, Cold Snap can get you through. At these times, you may need to take two caps every twenty minutes until you feel your energy kick in, your runny nose come under control, etc. Importantly, you will not do long-term damage to your health and will indeed be continuing the process of strengthening your immune system. With goldenseal, this type of push can further weaken you. Oriental medical theory speaks of vicious energies that are constantly attacking and attempting to invade the body/mind. The relationship between these energies and the body's righteous chi is infinitely more important than the exact nature of the invading factor. The initial reaction of Americans to an invasion is to produce heat or inflammation. So cold herbs are generally what is wanted in the early stages. If, however, a deeper stage is reached, the action that is desired is strengthening the righteous chi to enable the body to cast out the unwanted guest. Further strong cooling here will actually enable the guest to remain in the body. Goldenseal is too cold and too drying in these later stages. It can cause you to crash. Although Cold Snap acts as a cooling agent in the early stages of the disease, it tends to "shift gears" in the latter stages and nourishes the righteous chi as needed. As you move through the course of a cold or flu, the action of Cold Snap actually seems to adjust. It clears the symptoms of the cold in the early stages and prevents them from worsening. At the end of the disease, it strengthens as your body recovers. Mild herbs can be taken in large doses, but more potent herbs will cause toxic reactions in large quantities. Goldenseal is on that list. It is also listed as cautionary for those with very high blood pressure, as it is a stimulating herb. Cold Snap is not toxic in large quantities and is strengthening rather than stimulating. |
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