Goldenseal - Wyndham Health

Goldenseal, otherwise known as orangeroot and hydrastis canadensis, is a herb in the buttercup family and native to south east Canada and north east United States. It is one of the most popular herbs sold on the American market and has recently gained a reputation as an herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer.

Goldenseal has a single hairy stem producing two five-lobed serrated leaves and a small single apetalous flower with greenish sepals, giving way to a raspberry-like fruit.

It is often used as a multi purpose remedy and is thought to possess many different medicinal properties. It is also used to boost the effects of other herbs that it is blended with. It is taken internally as a digestive aid or can be used topically as anti bacterial.

Goldenseal liquid extract is very bitter which stimulates the appetite and is used in cases of anorexia, often stimulates the bile secretion and digestive enzymes, and is recommended for gastritis, colitis, duodenal ulcers, liver disease and constipation. It is considered as one of the best and safe treatment options for eating disorders. It is known as anti-catarrhal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and has an astringent effect on mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, the mouth, sinuses, throat, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder and urinary tract, and rectum (applied topically), and the skin. Its tonic and astringent actions contribute to its use in uterine conditions such as menorrhagia and haemorrhage. It helps reduce menopausal symptoms and can ease pre-menstrual syndromes linked with stagnation. It is usually taken as a liquid.

The roots and rhizomes of goldenseal contain alkaloids, including berberine and it is believed that the high content of these alkaloids gives its antibiotic, anti-infective and immune stimulating qualities and its effectiveness against bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and Streptococci.

As an anti-bacterial, goldenseal extract does not appear to work directly on the bacteria but it is unclear exactly how it does work. It is the compound berberine that appears to act as an ‘antibiotic’ to the mucous membranes not by killing germs directly, but by increasing the flow of healthy mucous, which contains its own innate antibiotic factors and promotes easier removal of the bacteria by inhibiting their ability to adhere to tissue surfaces.

Berberine has been shown to kill a wide range of other types of germs such as those that cause candida (yeast) infections and various parasites such as tapeworms and Giardia. It may also activate white blood cells, making them more effective at fighting infection and strengthening the immune system. As a complete herb goldenseal works on the immune system preventing antibiotic resistance.

Goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, and other nutrients and minerals, as well as traces of essential oil, fatty oil and resin.

Side effects are rare, but include irritation of the mouth and throat, nausea, increased nervousness, and digestive problems.

Women who are pregnant should avoid using goldenseal, as it may stimulate the uterine muscle.