AKA: Yellowroot Orangeroot, eyebalm, eyeroot, goldenroot, ground raspberry, Indian turmeric, yellow puccoon, jaundice root, sceaud’or, Hydrastis Canadensis (Linn.)

Goldenseal is a small perennial herb that is a member of the buttercup family. It grows wild in Eastern North America and it can be identified by its bright yellow root stock. This root stock is horizontal, knotted and ranges from ¼ to ¾ of an inch in thickness. It gives off slender roots and it is marked with scars from previous flower stems. In the spring, it pushes up a flowering stem that is six inches to a full foot in height. It has two large palmate leaves and a small, nondescript flower. In the summer it produces a single fruit that looks a lot like a large raspberry. The yellow root, ground into a fine powder, is the part of the pant that is utilized.

Benefits and Uses

Like Echinacea, Goldenseal helps activate the immune system making it a beneficial herb to take during times of seasonal change. Goldenseal is also a strong natural antibiotic, making it a useful traditional eye wash, and mouth wash to treat sore throats, sore mouths, canker sores and thrush. Goldenseal also contains berberine, which makes it effective in treating diarrhea. Hydrastine is also found in Goldenseal, which along with berberine can help lower blood pressure. 

Golden seal is used as an immune system booster, detoxifier, digestion aid, and laxative. It is also used to alleviate canker sores, sore throats, gingivitis, sore mouths, vaginal irritations, conjunctivitis, colds, flu, and earaches.

Possible Side Effects and Cautions

Goldenseal is considered to be generally safe, but people with an impaired heart or kidneys and women who are pregnant are encouraged not to use the herb.

Dosage

250 to 500 mg three times a day is the typical dosage. Goldenseal is also found in many topical ointments and creams that help heal skin wounds. For sore throat or mouth, a tea can be made by boiling one half to a full gram of the herb in one cups of water.

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