This herb was used by the Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments such as loss of appetite, inflammation, whooping-cough, liver disorders, malaria, indigestion and heart problems. Golden seal is used as a treatment, especially in combination with echinacea, for some respiratory complaints such as stuffy noses, sinus problems, bronchitis, and hay fever, and it’s considered a good herbal remedy for symptoms of the common cold and the flu. It’s also used, in combination with other herbs to cleanse the body of toxins and help purify the kidneys and urinary tract. It’s gaining popularity as a natural anti-diabetic treatment as well. It has been shown to increase insulin production and, through separate pathways, lower blood sugar levels. This use must be monitored closely due to golden seal’s tendency to raise blood pressure, which is a common complication of diabetes. The FDA has not approved of these statements and you are taking this herb at your own risk.