Goldenseal, scientific name Hydrastis canadensis, has been used as an herbal medicine for centuries by Native American tribes. Goldenseal is a bitter herb that is related to the buttercup and takes its name from the golden-colored scars that form on the root when the stem is broken away. The roots of the plant are used in the making of the herbal supplement. Berberine is the active compound in goldenseal, which has some antibacterial and disinfectant properties.
History
Native American tribes used goldenseal for a variety of treatments, and they introduced it to the early settlers who landed in America. The Native Americans used it for skin diseases, stomach ulcers, gonorrhea, an eye wash and mouthwash and as a stimulant. They also used it to make yellow dyes and face paint. Later on, goldenseal became a popular folk medicine, being used as an eye wash and to treat canker sores in the mouth. Today, goldenseal is one of the most popular herbal supplements, possibly due to its purported ability to mask the presence of certain illegal drugs in a urine drug test, although no studies have proven it does, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Geography
Goldenseal is small perennial herb with a single hairy stem and jagged leaves; it produces one small greenish-white flower and a raspberry-colored fruit. Although it can be grown almost anywhere, goldenseal is native to eastern North America. It is grown commercially in the Blue Ridge mountains and cultivated in Washington state and Oregon. Goldenseal has been seriously overharvested in the recent past and is now at risk of being placed on the endangered-species list.
Benefits
Goldenseal is typically taken internally and is available as a capsule, tincture, extract and tea. Currently, goldenseal is a popular herbal treatment for diarrhea because of its antibacterial properties. It is also used to treat upper respiratory infections and vaginitis. Some use it as a disinfectant for cuts and wounds, and it is still being used for conjunctivitis and canker sores. Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea to boost the immune system to fight colds and flu. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine is currently funding research on goldenseal to study its antibacterial and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Considerations
Goldenseal has not been widely studied for its purported medicinal uses. Most studies have focused on the effects of berberine, contained in only a small amount in goldenseal. Goldenseal is sold as a nutritional supplement and thus is not tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for efficacy, side effects and drug interactions. You should only purchase goldenseal from reputable manufacturers and take it under the supervision of your physician.
Precautions
Because goldenseal has not been widely studied, not all side effects and interactions are known. It appears safe when taken in low doses and for short periods of time. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. You may not be able to take goldenseal if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver disease or heart disease. Goldenseal can interact with blood thinners and the antibiotic tetracycline.
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