What is Goldthread

What is Goldthread and Berberine?

Goldthread (Coptis genus) is a medicinal herb native to North America and Asia. Goldthread was one of the herbs that Rene Caisse used in her Cancer Clinic in Bracebridge, Ontario. Unfortunately, we do not know exactly how she was using this herb. [THE SECRETS OF RENE CAISSE'S HERBAL PHARMACY] According to the research of Sheila Snow and Mali Klein it is possible that this was one of the eight herbs of the original "medicine man's" formula.

Goldthread is not easy to find in the woods and North American herb companies do not normally sell this herb. The yellow root is very thin so one must pick a lot of Goldthread plants to obtain an ounce of the herb, which contains a very beneficial yellow substance called "berberine". Herbalists can substitute Goldthread with other berberine-containing herbs such as Goldenseal, Barberry or Oregon Grape root. "Berberine, a main component of goldenseal [and Goldthread], has potent antitumor activity, particularly against malignant brain tumors. Goldenseal is also used to treat breast and stomach cancers." [HERBAL MEDICINE, HEALING & CANCER by Donald R. Yance, Jr., p. 138] However, Goldenseal can have negative side effects (see below).

Wild Goldenseal has been picked out of existence in the eastern US. In like manner wild Ginseng was picked out of existence in the eastern US because at one time it was actually more valuable than gold. Today Ginseng and Goldenseal are grown organically. Theoretically, the fate of wild Goldthread could go the way of Goldenseal and Ginseng if people pick it too much in the wild. Therefore, one should pick it sparingly. One can also grow Goldthread organically or simply transplant some live plants and establish it in new areas to insure that it can continue to thrive in the wild. Another solution is to substitute Oregon Grape root for Goldthread. Wild Oregon Grape root is inexpensive and is plentiful in the Northwest; it is not in any danger of being wildcrafted out of existence. People often use the holly-like Oregon Grape as an ornamental in their yards and therefore it is available at many nurseries.

Oregon Grape root is a much better substitute for Goldthread even though Goldthread has a slightly higher berberine content by weight than both Oregon Grape root and Goldenseal root. Oregon Grape has much bigger roots while Goldthread roots are very fine threads. One can pick a pound of Oregon Grape roots in a few minutes while it could take days to pick a pound of Goldthread roots.

Also, Oregon Grape root is a better choice because it does not cause heart palpitations or over-stimulate the nervous system like Goldenseal can do in larger-than-recommended dosages. "Most herbs can be safely used in small quantities over a long period of time, but there are some that provide cumulative effects, which will be harmful if the herb is taken regularly without a break. These include goldenseal, which will affect blood pressure and digestion if taken continuously...." [THE WAY OF HERBS by Michael Tierra, p. 344]

When one substitutes Oregon Grape root for Goldthread (or Goldenseal), one should add about 1/8 more Oregon Grape root (by weight) because Oregon Grape root has a slightly lower concentration of berberine than Goldthread and Goldenseal. When harvesting Goldthread or Oregon Grape root, simply pull the roots up without digging. Digging can do great harm to the colony from which you harvest the root. [HEALING PLANTS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS by Darcy Williamson, p. 99]

"We all have the right to benefit from Essiac because no one can stop us making it, no one can stop us taking it and no one can stop us deciding how and when we're going to do it." [THE ESSIAC BOOK by Mali Klein, 2006]

ESSIAC QUESTIONS? The Essiac trilogy by Sheila Snow and Mali Klein, ESSIAC ESSENTIALS, THE SECRETS OF RENE CAISSE'S HERBAL PHARMACY and THE ESSIAC BOOK are necessary to understand how to use Essiac to treat cancer. These books are the most researched and documented books available that reveal the secrets of how Rene Caisse successfully treated so many cancer patients. These books cut through most of the disinformation on the internet about Essiac tea and are usually available through EssiacUS.com. ESSIAC ESSENTIALS and the SECRETS OF RENE CAISSE'S HERBAL PHARMACY are no longer in print and are now collectors' items. THE ESSIAC BOOK will soon be going out of print to become a collector's item as well. However, Mali Klein is editing a compilation of the Sheila Snow/Mali Klein Essiac Trilogy entitled THE COMPLETE ESSIAC ESSENTIALS. The US edition may be available by the end of 2010.

{All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced and distributed only under the following conditions: 1) that it be free of charge; 2) that it be reproduced in its entirety without any alteration whatsoever; 3) that anyone wishing to post this article on a website must first obtain permission from the webmaster and include a link to the SHFN website. Contact webmaster@HealthFreedom.info }

The Truth about Essiac:
Rene Caisse and her Herbal Cancer Treatment, ESSIAC

* ESSIAC INFO * * ESSIAC FAQ *

* CLICK HERE to find sources for authentic Essiac Tea *

Home Health Info Freedom Info Chemtrail Info Essiac Info AIDS Info Cancer Info About SHFN Contact Us Ordering Information Books AIDS & Essiac Cancer & Essiac Diabetes & Essiac Essiac & Detoxification Essiac FAQ