Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Rhizome

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Astringent, Cooling

Caution: Considered safe. However, it is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding or for infants. Ask your doctor if goldenseal causes changes in prescribed medications by the liver before using it. Cardiac Glycosides are also not compatible with goldenseal. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to the herb containing the compound berberine.

Key Constituents: Isoquinoline Alkaloids: Berberine, Hydrastine, Berberastine, Hydrastinine, Canadine, Canalidine, Essential oil, Resin, Phytoestrin, Lipids, Albumin, Chlorogenic acid, Potassium.

History/Folklore: Goldenseal is often used as a multi-purpose remedy with many applications. It was used extensively by Native American Indians as a medicine to treat mouth ulcers, tuberculosis, edema, and sore eyes, and as a coloring material. The Cherokee and Iroquois Indians are said to have used the herb for treating cancer-like illnesses, internal inflammatory conditions, canker sores, and stomach issues. Native Americans

By 1850, it was being sold in Europe and the US and remains one of the most popular herbs available. It is considered best used in tincture form and has been used in powdered form as a snuff to treat stuffy sinus conditions.

Goldenseal has been overharvested and is difficult to find in the wild. Unregulated wild collection and the historic and continuing loss of habitat have contributed to the plant becoming recognized as an endangered species. To help protect the plant and continue making use of its medicinal properties, it is now commercially cultivated.

Goldenseal’s best qualities are its ability to astringe, restore, stimulate, and decongest. It is most popularly paired with echinacea(LINK) , enhancing both herbs’ qualities and properties. Goldenseal is a native North American herb and therefore not traditionally used in Chinese Medicine, though some Western TCM practitioners make use of the combination of echinacea and goldenseal for its effectiveness in treating congested lung conditions and other respiratory maladies.

Goldenseal helps prevent E coli from binding to the urinary tract wall. It is also popularly used as a digestive bitter, helping to treat digestive issues, supporting bowel regularity, and eliminating bloating.

The berberine in goldenseal helps fight infections, lower blood pressure, and possibly lower blood sugars. Berberine is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Ayurveda medicine, it is commonly used to treat infections, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and lowering cholesterol.

It is said that goldenseal tonifies the veins and has anticancer capabilities.

Its astringent qualities help with excessive blood flow during menses and in cases of internal bleeding.

Goldenseal is a symbol of authority and recognition. Its common name, goldenseal, refers to the annual scars on the yellow rhizome, which are said to resemble the imprint of an old-fashioned letter seal, further supporting the plant’s association with legitimacy and authority. Its powerful healing attributes often see the plant used for cleansing, protection, and supporting spiritual strength.

It has been suggested that using goldenseal could mask certain drugs, but not one example of this application has yet proven to be effective. Goldenseal does not mask drug use for either horses or humans.