Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenseal
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)

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): 2

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American tribes and later in Western herbalism. It has been used for a variety of ailments, especially those involving mucous membranes. For sinus-related headaches, goldenseal's traditional use is primarily due to its purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It was commonly combined with other herbs, such as echinacea, to help relieve symptoms of sinusitis, which can include headaches due to sinus congestion and infection.

The active constituents of goldenseal, such as berberine, have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies. However, there is a lack of well-designed clinical trials specifically evaluating goldenseal for sinus headache relief or sinusitis in humans. Most evidence supporting its use for this purpose is anecdotal or based on historical practice rather than modern scientific validation. Some herbalists continue to recommend goldenseal for upper respiratory tract infections and associated symptoms, but caution is advised due to potential toxicity and the risk of overharvesting this at-risk plant species.

In summary, goldenseal's use for sinus headache is rooted in tradition rather than robust scientific evidence, and its effectiveness for this particular condition remains unproven by high-quality clinical research.

More about goldenseal
More about Headache (sinus)