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Uses of Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a North American perennial in the buttercup family. Named for its bright yellow roots, its medicinal properties were discovered by the Native Americans and it was considered a sort of cure-all into the 20th century. Overharvesting has made it very scarce in the wild, and it is consequently very expensive. Due to its cost and the ready availability of herbs of equal or greater effectiveness, Jim Meuninck questions its continued usefulness in his "Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide."

  1. Anti-Inflammatory and Astringent

    • Goldenseal's anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for many ailments. One of the earliest uses of goldenseal was as an eyewash for inflamed or sore eyes and as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers and other dental inflammations. It can also be used as an external anti-inflammatory for vaginal inflammation, eczema and conjunctivitis.

      Taken internally, goldenseal's astringent properties eliminate inflammations of the mucous tissues in the digestive system, making it a useful treatment for many disorders including diarrhea, ulcers, and hemorrhoids. It can be taken for colds or flu to reduce mucous membrane inflammation and reduce congestion.

    Antibiotic and Antifungal

    • Goldenseal's antibiotic properties make it useful for cleaning wounds, treating bacteriological skin rashes such as acne, gum infections, gastric system infections, tonsillitis, sinus infections and urinary infections. It is often used with echinacea, another medicinal herb, for treating viral infections such as colds and flu. Its antifungal properties make it useful for treating conditions like yeast infections and athlete's foot.

    Other Uses

    • Goldenseal has been used, wisely or unwisely, to treat heart problems, tuberculosis, cancer, gall bladder problems, scrofula and dyspepsia. It is used in veterinary medicine, particularly in horses, for wound treatment, in horse-feed training mixes and to enhance fertility. It was used by Native Americans as a dye for clothing and a stain for facial decoration.

    Precautions

    • Goldenseal should not be taken if you are pregnant.

      Goldenseal should never be taken by pregnant women because of the alkaloids it contains, which may cause uterine contractions and may affect breast milk. Goldenseal contains chemicals--berberine and hydrastine--that may be fatal in very large doses. Excessive use could cause tics, hypertension, paralysis or convulsions. Because goldenseal stimulates the heart muscle, people with high blood pressure, heart problems or a history of strokes should not take it without a physician's advice. It should not be given to children under 2 years of age.

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