Traditional Uses

The Cherokee used the root for inflammations, treatment of cancer, increase the appetite, and as a tonic to flush out sore eyes.  The Iroquois used it for respiratory ailments, liver trouble, stomach and intestinal problems.  The Kickapoo and Catawba found it helpful with wounds and ulcers.  The early settlers soon found it useful for a whole array of ailments making it very much in demand for general better health. 

Goldenseal contains three active alkaloids, Hydrastine, Berberine and Canadine, along with some fatty oil, traces of essential oils and resin.  It’s actions are tonic, alterative, astringent, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, mild laxative, muscular stimulant, oxytoic and bitter.   Traditionally it was used for inflammatory mucous membranes, peptic ulcers, gastritis and colitis.  In recent years it has gained acknowledgement as a herbal anti-biotic and immune system enhancer.  It has been used to stimulate the uterus in which is sometimes used in childbirth.  It is NOT recommended to be used without the supervision of a midwife or doctor skilled in herbal remedies. Goldenseal should not be used during pregnancy

Current Uses of Goldenseal

Goldenseal is found today in herbal products for the aid in upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, GI disorders including gastritis, liver disease, menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea.   In a topical form it is used to treat ulcers, wounds, infections, itching, acne, dandruff, ringworm, skin rashes, sore gums, and herpes.  It has been shown to have positive affects on alcoholics.

Goldenseal should not be used if you have a history of high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, glaucoma or heart disease.

Description

Goldenseal is a small perennial herb that has a horizontal, irregularly knotted, bright yellow root-stock, giving off slender roots below and marked with cars of the flower stems of previous years.  The leaves and roots resemble the raspberry. The stem reaches 6-12 inches in height, is hairy with downward-pointing hairs.  It bears 2 prominently-veined and wrinkled, dark green, hairy leaves, with 5-7 lobes and finely toothed.  There is one solitary radical leaf on a long stalk, usually about 9 inches across. The flower is solitary, terminal, erect, small with 3 small greenish-white sepals blooms in April.  The fruit follows the flower and is a large, fleshy, berrylike head, which when it ripens in the autumn, is bright red, resembling a large raspberry, and contains from 10-20 small, shining, hard, black seeds. The berry is ripe is July and is not edible.
Growing region: Goldenseal can be found in the Eastern United States and Canada.  It is common thru-out the Midwest and Appalachian region west to Arkansas.  It is often found in rich moist woods with well drained soil.