Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis)

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

Table of Contents

Other names for goldenseal

goldenseal

Synopsis of goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis, commonly known as goldenseal, is a perennial herb native to the woodlands of North America, especially the Appalachian region. It is highly prized for its bright yellow rhizome, which contains potent alkaloids—chiefly berberine, hydrastine, and canadine—responsible for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and immune-supporting effects. The rhizome and root are the primary medicinal parts and are typically dried and used in tinctures, capsules, teas, or topical salves.

Goldenseal is best known for its role as a broad-spectrum natural antimicrobial, used to combat bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is commonly applied in herbal medicine to support the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts, making it a popular remedy for sore throats, sinus infections, gastritis, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and yeast overgrowth. It also exhibits bitter and astringent actions, which stimulate digestion, tighten inflamed tissues, and help reduce mucus.

Berberine, its key active constituent, has been the focus of many modern studies and has shown efficacy in modulating blood sugar, cholesterol, and gut microbiome health. However, whole-root preparations are traditionally preferred for their synergistic effects and broad coverage in acute infections and mucosal inflammation.

Historical Use
Goldenseal has a long history of use by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Iroquois, who used it for digestive issues, skin diseases, eye infections, and wound care. It was also employed as a dye and insect repellent. The plant’s reputation spread to early European settlers, who adopted it for similar uses, particularly as a topical antiseptic and internal tonic for mucous membrane health.

In the Eclectic medical movement of the 19th century, goldenseal was considered a panacea for mucosal conditions, often used in combination with other herbs like echinacea or myrrh. Physicians of that era prescribed it for chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, vaginal infections, oral ulcers, and conjunctivitis.

Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, goldenseal became endangered in parts of its native range, prompting modern cultivation efforts and ethical sourcing initiatives.

Today, goldenseal remains one of the most respected herbs in Western herbalism for treating acute infections, mucous membrane irritation, and microbial imbalance, although its potency and ecological sensitivity mean it is best used judiciously and often in short-term, targeted applications. It continues to bridge folk tradition, clinical herbalism, and scientific interest, particularly through its key alkaloid, berberine.

Goldenseal is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abrasions (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Adenitis (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Bloodshot Eyes (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dysentery (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Enteritis (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)
Giardia (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Gonorrhea (Traditional)
Halitosis (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Herpes (Traditional)
Impetigo (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Infection (viral) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Influenza (Traditional)
Jock Itch (Traditional)
Leucorrhea (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
Sinus Infection (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Strep Throat (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

goldenseal is used to support these body systems

Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Eustachian Tubes (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Tonsils (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Vocal Cords (Traditional)