michaelsharrington (Hridayam)

”…One American herb, well-known to the native American Indians was the woodland plant, golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis L.). Golden seal is today among the top-selling herbs in the American health food market and was an official drug plant in the United States almost continuously from (1830-1955)…”

  -Christopher Hobbs, Acupuncturist, herbalist, and author.

For this final part of the Herbal Healing Series, Goldenseal. 

Most people have heard of Goldenseal as it is one of the top five moved most widely used and herbs in America. I have been using Goldenseal for 30 years. I have used in alone as a tincture, have made my own decoction with the root powder, as well as using it in a formula, principally with Echinacea but also with other herbs. 

A German database of phyto-pharmaceuticals noted that there are over 43 pharmaceutical companies selling nearly 200 different remedies using goldenseal. And Goldenseal is an ingredient in over 300 homeopathic remedies produced in Europe, America and Australia. 

This herb is from the buttercup family and has a purplish stem. It bears a single berry like a large raspberry in the summer. The root or rhizome is the main part used for medicine and is bitter and cooling.

I do not overuse Goldenseal. When I am feeling an acute ailment coming on or my immune system seems ragged, I go for this herb. If I catch it early enough, an acute illness is averted. This is somewhat like how the famous Chinese formula called Yin Chiao is used. Goldenseal I also take it for chronic flareups, to lesson the toxic load.  

Goldenseal (also known by its scientific name, (Hydrastis Canadensis- which refers to the plants effects on the mucous membranes) and is found in hardwood forests in the northeastern States as well as Canada, though it is cultivated on farms in Oregon and Washington. Most of the wild-harvested goldenseal comes from several states: Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia. Like lomatium root, the over harvesting and habitat loss have diminished the wild growth of this powerful root. The name “goldenseal” is obvious when you see the bright yellow color.

Goldenseal is sometimes called: Goldenroot, Eye Root, or Indian Tumeric. The Ayurvedic Medicine originating from India- the world’s oldest healing system- features the root prominently where it was known to be a cooling antibiotic for those who are weak and emaciated from parasitic infestations. 

In Chinese Medicine it is called, bai mao liang, and is recognized to facilitate action through the energy meridians: Lungs, Spleen, and Liver with the power to move blood, dry internal dampness, clear heat toxins, and reduce inflammation in cases such as: dysentery, skin rash, lung issues, ulcers, constipation, and bloating.

Once again, Native Americans feature prominently in the history of Goldenseal. The Cherokee Indians used it for stomach issues, poor appetite, fatigue, as and eyewash and even for cancer. Iroquois Indians relied on the root for such things as: whooping cough, diarrhea, tuberculosis, liver disease, earaches, pneumonia, and heart trouble. This shows the incredible range of syndromes and issues that Goldenseal can treat.

It is a bitter tonic, an helps to heal and restore the mucous membranes. Holistic centered physicians have used Goldenseal for other issues as well, like: sore throat, tonsillitis, sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual conditions, lupus, small pox, tuberculosis, and others.

In modern times, goldenseal has replaced the use of prescription antibiotics, in restoration of the immune function, to remove parasites, fungal infections and detrimental bacteria. It inhibits infections by increasing blood supply to the spleen which is one of the principal elements of the immune system. Goldenseal also increases white blood cell count, an indicator of immune response, while stimulating bile flow, to enhance function of the gallbladder and pancreas, and helping the liver to detoxify. 

Clinical studies have shown that Goldenseal aids in the elimination of toxins in the kidney, liver and blood. Its active alkaloids, mainly berberines, contains antibacterial and anti convulsive properties. Many studies have shown that ear infection, eye diseases, intestinal infections as well as tuberculosis, malaria and diabetes have responded well to treatment with Goldenseal. 

Goldenseal will help with viral conditions but is much better with bacterial infections. Like most strong herbals, Goldenseal can be overused, causing nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting at high dose. Treatments should be a maximum of 3 months. I have never used Goldenseal more than 2 weeks without a break. 

In 1880, Goldenseal sold for 8 cents per pound, today with dwindling supply it is closer to $50.00 per pound, with wholesale roots going for $150.00 per pound or more. Goldenseal ranks with ginseng as a North American plant with very high demand. In the last 25 years Goldenseal has been on the Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora list.

How much goldenseal should one take?

The amount of goldenseal taken depends on the condition it is being used for. For general inflammation, goldenseal can be taken in doses from 500 to 2,000 milligrams (15-60 drops) up to three times a day. To disinfect cuts and scrapes, goldenseal extract can be used with a clean, wet cloth. For other cases of irritation, goldenseal powder can be used in conjunction with salt and warm water.

Generally Goldenseal is considered safe. It is best not to take Western pharmaceuticals with Goldenseal as the liver may be inhibited or it may increase the chance of their side-effects. Cardiac drugs and goldenseal are contra-indicated. Goldenseal is also not recommended during pregnancy, due to the herb’s berberine content.

Goldenseal is available (in various concentrations) in both capsule and tablet form. It is also available in alcoholic tinctures and low-alcohol extracts. The root can also be used powdered in an infusion (tea) or in whole root form through decoction.