Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenseal
For the health condition: Bloodshot Eyes

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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 Western herbalists. For bloodshot or irritated eyes, goldenseal was often recommended as an eyewash or poultice. The root contains berberine, an alkaloid with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional herbalists believed these properties could help soothe red, inflamed eyes, especially those caused by minor infections or environmental irritants.

Despite its frequent mention in herbal texts, there is little to no modern clinical evidence to support the efficacy or safety of goldenseal for treating bloodshot eyes. Most references to its use are anecdotal or based on empirical tradition rather than robust scientific validation. The rating of 1 reflects that some pharmacological rationale exists (i.e., berberine's actions), but there is no direct scientific evidence specifically for ocular application in humans, and safety concerns exist regarding potential irritation or toxicity when used in the eyes. Modern ophthalmology does not recommend goldenseal for this purpose, and it is not approved for ocular use by medical authorities. As such, while goldenseal's traditional use is well documented, its effectiveness and safety for bloodshot eyes remain unproven.

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