Goldenseal: Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Goldenseal is native to eastern North America and is cultivated in Oregon and Washington. It is seriously threatened by over-harvesting in the wild. The dried root and rhizome are used in herbal medicine.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary ?Star-Rating? system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Canker Sores | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Goldenseal has been used historically as a mouthwash to help heal mouth ulcers. |
Chronic Candidiasis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid with antibiotic and antifungal activity that also been shown to help relieve the diarrhoea seen in some people with chronic candidiasis. |
Cold Sores | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In traditional herbal medicine, tinctures of various herbs including goldenseal have been applied topically to herpes outbreaks in order to promote healing. |
Common Cold and Sore Throat | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal root has anti-microbial and mild immune-stimulating effects. It soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat, making it potentially useful for sore throats. |
Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal contains berberine, an anti-bacterial constituent that has been clinically studied for eye infections. |
Diarrhoea | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhoea. Its major alkaloid, berberine, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhoea. |
Gastritis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal is considered a herbal antibiotic and has been traditionally used for infections of the mucous membranes. One of its active ingredients appears to slow H. pylori growth. |
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal is a digestive stimulant widely used in traditional medicine in North America. |
Infection | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal is both immune supportive and anti-microbial. |
Influenza | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal used in combination with wild indigo has been reported to have immune-enhancing effects. |
Parasites | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Berberine is derived from a few plants, including goldenseal. Studies have shown that berberine kills amoebae and can be used successfully to treat giardia infections. |
Type 2 Diabetes | 1 gram daily of berberine for two months | [1 star] Preliminary research with berberine (an active compound in goldenseal) for two months lowered blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
|
Urinary Tract Infection | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder |
Vaginitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Goldenseal is anti-bacterial and may be effective against infectious vaginitis. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Goldenseal was used by Native Americans as a treatment for irritations and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. It was commonly used topically for skin and eye infections and has been used historically as a mouthwash to help heal mouth ulcers. Because of its anti-microbial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections, and vaginal infections. Goldenseal is often recommended by herbalists in combination with echinacea for the treatment of colds and flu. Its benefits are most likely limited to helping ease the discomfort of a sore throat associated with these conditions. Goldenseal was considered a critical remedy for stomach and intestinal problems of all kinds by early 20th century Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbs).1
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