I was a long time ago for me - I had the mono when I was about 30 and I'm 62 now but as I remember I actually put it in geletin capsules myself ( in those days loose Goldenseal was easier to come by and less expensive) and I believe I was tqaking a pretty heavy hit - like 5 of each for about 5 days - 3x a day. So it may be best to check with someone who is more knowledgeable than me about a proper dose for you. As far as the other thing - I think I did the same - then my butt started really burning after a few days and I stopped it and by then the condition was gone. It's never come back thank God!