Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenseal
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American tribes and 19th-century herbalists. It has been valued for its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to its active constituent, berberine. Historically, goldenseal has been used as a general remedy for infections and inflammation, and as a topical application for wounds and mucous membrane conditions. For ear infections and earache, traditional uses have included administering diluted goldenseal extracts as ear drops or as part of a wash, aiming to reduce infection or soothe discomfort.

However, the evidence for goldenseal’s efficacy in treating ear infections or earache is minimal and largely anecdotal. There are no robust clinical trials or scientific studies specifically evaluating its use for otitis media or other ear conditions in humans. While goldenseal does exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings, its effectiveness when used in the ear, especially in the context of the complex causes of ear infections, is unproven. The use of goldenseal for earache primarily persists in traditional and folk medicine, and it should be approached with caution due to the potential for irritation or allergic reaction when applied to sensitive tissues such as the ear canal.

In summary, goldenseal’s use for ear infections or earache is justified by traditional practices rather than scientific validation, and the evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific condition is weak.

More about goldenseal
More about Ear Infection or Earache