Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is sometimes called the “American ginseng”. It is related to the Asian types of Ginseng and favors similar climates such as living on north-facing slopes, having a cooler moist environment, and enjoying up to 70% shade.
History of Goldenseal
Goldenseal was used by the Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee, for centuries before it was discovered and appropriated to Western medicine as early as the 1600s. The Native Americans used Goldenseal not only as a powerful medicine but also as a golden dye for their clothes and skin. When beaten with bear fat, Goldenseal was also considered a strong insect repellant.
Goldenseal has so many strong qualities that it was viewed as the ideal herb for a wide variety of serious illnesses. It was listed in the official pharmacopeia from the mid 1800s twice, but it was finally dropped in 1936 due to the scarcity of the plant. Domestic cultivation of Goldenseal did not go well, and foragers favored collecting Goldenseal over other plants since it brought a lot of money per pound. It was harvested nearly to extinction, and in 1997, it was listed on the Endangered Species list. Domestic cultivation is still ongoing, but wild stands are protected.
Current Uses and Research
Part of Goldenseal’s popularity comes from its very powerful actions as an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, a treatment for colds and flu, and an antiseptic. It has been used to treat overproduction of mucus and secondary infections to viruses. Additionally, Goldenseal has been used to treat cold sores, allergies, hemorrhoids, boils, foot odor, fungal infection, laryngitis, vomiting, and to stop hemorrhaging, especially during childbirth. It was also used in the 1990s to mask the results of illicit drug tests, but it was proven to be ineffective in this regard.
More recently, the alkaloid berberine was isolated from the whole herb of Goldenseal and shown to have remarkable effects against cancer. This compound is also showing to be more effective against intestinal protozoan or amoebic infections (dysentery and other forms of diarrhea) than tetracycline. Goldenseal is also used as a topical antiseptic and astringent to treat a wide variety of skin and eye disorders, including ringworm, cold sores, and conjunctivitis.
Contraindications, Warnings and Disclaimers
Because of its effects on the uterus, do not take Goldenseal during pregnancy. Do not take Goldenseal if you have high blood pressure, as it does act as a stimulant on the heart muscles. Do not take Goldenseal for longer than a week. Goldenseal is a general-effect antibiotic and decimates the natural positive flora in the intestinal tract. Consider taking probiotics such as Acidophilus and Bifidus after being treated with Goldenseal. High doses of Goldenseal can be toxic, including interfering with the metabolism of Vitamin B in the system. Only take Goldenseal under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
References:
- Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, 1992 p. 111-112
- The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies, 2000; p. 554, "Safety Precautions"
- Rodale Herb Book, 1974; p. 462-464
- Growing and Using the Healing Herbs, 1992; p. 154-156
- The Herb Society of America’s New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, 2001; p. 239
- Third Age
- The Atlantic Journal-Constitution
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