Wondering what is yellow root?
If you don’t know yellow root (or yellowroot) very well, you’re in for a surprise. It’s not actually a plant, but a common name for two medicinal plants named, well, Hydrastis Canadensis and Xanthorhiza Simplicissima. In this article, we’ll mostly go over yellow root tea benefits, but also the benefits of these two plants.
Welcome to the world of yellow root, a captivating herbal remedy we’re about to explore through the wonderful avenue of tea. In our quest to understand what is yellow root, we’ll unearth yellow root benefits, including how much yellow root tea to drink for various health advantages. Join us in discovering what is yellow root good for and embark on a journey of wellness and herbal knowledge.
What Is Yellow Root
So as we’ve mentioned, yellow root isn’t an actual plant, but a common name for two other plants. These plants contain berberine, which gives their roots a yellow color, hence the name.
Hydrastis Canadensis is more commonly known as Goldenseal. It’s native to Canada and the United States and has very well known health benefits. It’s often referred to as a “natural antibiotic”, it can help treat the common cold, respiratory and sinus infections, indigestion, and more.
Xanthorhiza Simplicissima is the more common type of yellow root. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiprotozoan, antifungal, and anti-viral. That’s a lot of anti.
The Cherokee would use it for treating sore throats and sore mouths, as well as hemorrhoids and sore eyes (topically). This is the so-called traditional yellow root tea, with centuries of history dating back to the Indigenous people of America.
Now let’s exactly what benefits yellow root tea has to offer.
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Yellow Root Tea Benefits
Topical Healer
So we’ll start with the oddest benefit, as you wouldn’t expect it from a tea precisely. You can use yellow root tea as a topical treatment. It’s useful for minor burns, inflammations, irritations, and healing cuts (which are already closed).
This is one of the ways in which the indigenous people used it, and it can be credited to yellow root’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiprotozoan and antifungal properties.
Fights Inflammations
Yellow root tea’s strong anti-inflammatory properties help in many different ways throughout the body. It can ease arthritis and rheumatism, relieve allergies, asthma, the flu and the common cold.
And it’s also commonly used to treat digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and respiratory inflammations.
Aids Digestion
Do you want to know what is yellow root tea good for? Yellow root tea boasts remarkable digestive benefits. It’s like a soothing balm for your stomach, calming discomfort and promoting a more harmonious digestive system. It’s one of its most popular traditional uses. Yellow root tea benefits the digestive system with the multitude of “anti-properties” that help keep the entire digestive system healthy.
It’s also known to relieve constipation, increase bile flow, and heal internal hemorrhoids.
Lowers Cholesterol
One study done in 2006 showed that yellow root tea lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. That can be attributed to the berberine which we’ve mentioned at the beginning of this article.
It’s a chemical found in many plants, and it is well known for aiding high cholesterol patients.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Another yellow root tea benefit that can be largely attributed to its berberine content is the ability to lower blood sugar levels. It’s a natural ally in maintaining your blood sugar within healthy boundaries. Incorporating this tea into your daily routine might just be the golden ticket to achieving better blood sugar control. Although the effects are nothing dramatic, it’s a nice added benefit.
Blood Pressure
All of yellow root tea’s medicinal properties already provide aid to the circulatory system. Fighting inflammations, bacteria, lowering cholesterol, and more, makes sure things will work more smoothly.
But other than that, yellow root tea can actually affect and lower blood-pressure directly.
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Conclusion
In summary, yellow root tea, hailing from the extraordinary plants Hydrastis Canadensis and Xanthorhiza Simplicissima, has been revered for its wide-ranging health benefits for generations. From its surprising topical applications to its inflammation-soothing qualities, digestive support, and potential for improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels, this herbal infusion is a true gem in natural remedies. So these are the ways in which yellow root tea benefits the body. Did you find them interesting or useful? Are you going to try it next time you feel under the weather or have a skin inflammation? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re looking for another unique and healthy tea, check out our article about blueberry tea benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is yellow root tea safe for daily consumption?
Yellow root tea can be consumed daily but with some precautions. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have health conditions or are on medications. Typically, one or two cups a day are safe. Pay attention to your body’s reactions, and reduce or stop consumption if you experience any adverse effects. Ensure you use high-quality yellow root tea and seek medical advice for major dietary changes.
Can yellow root tea help with allergies?
Certainly! Yellow root tea has the potential to assist with allergies because of its anti-inflammatory properties. By calming the body’s inflammatory response to allergens, it can reduce allergic reactions and provide relief from symptoms like sneezing and congestion, particularly for seasonal allergies. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on whether yellow root tea is a suitable option for your allergy management.
Are there any known interactions between yellow root tea and medications?
Yes, yellow root tea can interact with certain medications. It contains berberine, which may interact with blood pressure, diabetes, and blood-thinning medications. These interactions can affect how the medications work in your body. If you’re taking any of these medications, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before adding yellow root tea to your daily routine to avoid potential adverse effects. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
Can I grow goldenseal to make my yellow root tea?
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), one of the plants known as yellow root, can be cultivated to make yellow root tea. You can grow goldenseal in your garden, but it’s essential to provide the right conditions, including well-drained, loamy soil and shade, as it thrives in forest-like environments. After a few years, harvest the roots when they have matured, then dry and prepare them for tea. Ensure sustainable harvesting practices to preserve this valuable plant.
Where can I find authentic yellow root tea?
You can find authentic yellow root tea in health food stores, online retailers, or through local herbalists and farmers’ markets. Ensure the product is labelled as authentic and comes from reputable sources. Consider growing your goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) to make tea at home for a more hands-on approach. Whether you purchase or cultivate it yourself, enjoying this herbal tea is a beautiful way to experience its benefits.