A Brief History of Goldenseal

Goldenseal does not have the popularity of the ginseng plant, but the growing conditions are very similar.  Many cultivators are rotating these two crops and have seen an increase in revenue and quality related to both of the plants.

Goldenseal has a long history for its use among the Native Americans as a medicinal herb and as a dye.  It is native to North America primarily east of the Mississippi.  The Cherokee, Catawba, Iroquois and Kickapoo used goldenseal for a stimulant, a diuretic, to treat arrow wounds, as an insect repellent when mixed with bear grease and to produce a yellow dye.   The Native American Indian shared their knowledge of goldenseal with the European immigrants.  The settlers soon learned of its antiseptic and healing properties. The plant was then over harvested depleting the natural population of the plant. 

Folklore

Goldenseal refers to the root scars from old growth which looks like the old seal or stamp used to seal envelopes. Some Native American tribes considered goldenseal a sacred herb, and used it extensively, not only for its healing powers and to stop bleeding, but as a paint or bright yellow dye and applied it to their faces, horses and weapons during ceremonial dances before going to war. It was believed by the early settlers that if they destroyed all the yellow root the Indians would not attack because they could not paint themselves.