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An extremely popular herbal remedy, Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has both research and folklore in abundance. The roots and rhizomes, which are golden yellow in color, are the portion used medicinally.
Source
Extracts of goldenseal will usually be standardized to hydrastine or to the total berberine alkaloids.
Look for goldenseal by itself, or in combination with other ingredients in products such as antimicrobial, anti-fungal, gastrointestinal aids, and immunostimulatory products.
Function; Reasons For Use
Goldenseal, like barberry and Oregon grape root contains significant amount of berberine alkaloids like berberine, hydrastine and canadine. These berberine alkaloids are excellent, non-specific, anti-microbial and anti-fungal agents. Goldenseal has been shown to have potent anti-protozoal and broad-spectrum anti-bacterial effects.
In addition to its antiseptic properties, goldenseal has general bitter properties which have been shown to increase bile secretion and improve digestive complaints. Goldenseal is also immunostimulatory and is a general aid to most infectious conditions.
The use of Goldenseal in eye and mouth-washes (antiseptics) is quite a common use. Goldenseal is a strong digestive stimulant, and tonic to the digestive tract.
The rumors that Goldenseal can mask or block a positive drug urinalysis are completely untrue. If anything, the opposite may be true, in that goldenseal may even produce a false positive.
Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Goldenseal products should not be consumed by individuals who are pregnant without consulting a healthcare professional. Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than a week at a time. Do not give goldenseal to children under two. Do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
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Goldenseal can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |  | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia)
An eating disorder characterized by excess control - a morbid fear of obesity leads the sufferer to try and limit or reduce their weight by excessive dieting, exercising, vomiting, purging and use of diuretics. Sufferers are typically more than 15% below the average weight for their height/sex/age and typically have amenorrhea (if female) or low libido (if male). 1-2% of female teenagers are anorexic.
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Antiseptic
Inhibiting growth of infectious organisms.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Glaucoma
A disease of the eye characterized by vision loss due to an increase in the pressure of fluid within the eye. This rise in pressure results from a build-up of aqueous fluid and leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual signals to the brain. Over time, glaucoma can lead to a gradual loss in peripheral vision. There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Peptic Ulcer (Peptic Ulcers, Duodenal Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Ulcer, Gastric Ulcers)
A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain. They occur most frequently in the 60 to 70 age group, and slightly more often in men than in women. Doctors now know that there are two major causes of ulcers: most often patients are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); others are regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx, either from irritation or infection. A sore throat.
Poultice
Soft mass prepared by moistening botanicals or other absorbent substances with oil or water, usually applied hot to the skin.
Streptococcus (Strep)
A genus of gram-staining chain-forming cocci bacteria. Some are responsible for common and potentially serious human infections, ranging from scarlet fever and strep throat to bacterial endocarditis and pus pockets. Most of the disease-potential streps are also a normal part of the skin, mouth and upper respiratory flora.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Last updated: Nov 08, 2009
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