Goldenseal

This is another hotbed of controversy. Many sources say that goldenseal must not be used by diabetics. Others say it can be a useful herb in controlling diabetes. And there is a reason for both statements.

Goldenseal has been known for ages to reduce blood sugar. But it does it very abruptly, and fairly strongly. It is an herb which also has other affects on the body, so it certainly is not appropriate for everyone, diabetic or not. In herbal lore though, warnings about it dropping blood sugar levels are given to people who are not diabetic also, so the evidence that it does do that is fairly conclusive.

The reason warnings exist against use by diabetics is that it can cause severe hypoglycemia. If you are prone to that anyway, it could endanger your life. It is not an herb which should even be experimented with by brittle diabetics, and is likely less applicable to Type I diabetics than to Type II if used therapeutically. It should always be used under advisement from a health care professional.

The key to its use would seem to be control. I could find no instructions anywhere on appropriate dosage, when to take it, or what to expect if you did. This is an herb which I feel might be helpful for me to test, but only if I am sure that I am not pregnant at the time.

The information available seems to suggest that it would need to be taken on a meal-by-meal basis. But whether it would need to be taken before the meal, with the meal, or just after the meal is unclear. It is theorized that it causes the body to either use insulin more efficiently, or to release more insulin. Either way, the reaction is described as quick and significant.

Extreme caution is advised with this herb! Very low initial doses, and close monitoring (testing at 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour, and 2 hours postprandial instead of just at 2 hours) would be required until a predictable result could be determined, as well as being prepared with emergency glucose if required. Even at that, there may be significant risk if you have problems with hypoglycemia at any point.

The one other common warning with Goldenseal is that it is thought to be a blood thinner, so people with clotting disorders should avoid its use, or consult a physician about it.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.