Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
November 2016
Hydrastis canadensis
Ranunculaceae
Goldenseal
Yellow root, orange root
Yellow puccoon
Part used: root (rhizome)
Native range: eastern U.S., Canada
Harvestable status / sustainability: at risk; endangered in some states and
threatened in most; can be cultivated
Flavor: bitter
Energetics: cold, dry
Actions: antimicrobial, especially antibacterial and antifungal, bitter tonic, cholagogue,
stomachic (GI tonic), emmenagogue / uterine stimulant, styptic, mild
immunostimulant, mild anti-inflammatory, oxytocic, possibly antipyretic,
possibly anticancer
Goldenseal is a strong antimicrobial and bitter herb, used to fight infection and to normalize
and tonify boggy mucosal tissue in catarrhal conditions with excess mucus discharge. It
should be noted that it is antimicrobial constituents, mostly the alkaloids berberine and
hydrastine, have effect only on tissue its constituents come into direct contact with, including
skin, mouth, esophageal and gastrointestinal tract, and the genitourinary tract. It is most
indicated for patterns of Damp Heat in the intestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts, as well as
the nasal and sinus passages. Goldenseal also improves digestion but should be used only for
a short period of time as indicated.
Goldenseal is threatened in the wild and should only be used from cultivated sources. In
some cases other herbs can be used more sustainably and affordably such as Berberis.
Indications:
• Inflammatory and overly secreting conditions of the mucous membranes: seasonal
allergies and hay fever, post-nasal drip, leucorrhea, gastric inflammation
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
November 2016
• Infection, especially with signs of heat and inflammation, fever (damp heat). Goldenseal
may stimulate macrophage production to aid in fighting infection but primarily its
benefit lies in direct antimicrobial activity and in stabilizing mucus membranes.
o Sinus infections
o Staph, Strep, fungal infections (Candida), GI parasites, E.coli, giardia, dysentery
o Urinary tract infections
o Candidiasis
o Ear infections
• G.I., liver, and gall bladder indications – the Eclectic physician Finley Ellingwood writes
“in its influence upon the gastro-intestinal tract it is tonic, restorative, and soothing in
its action. It promotes the appetite, increases the secretion of the gastric and intestinal
juices and conduces to a restoration of the normal condition.”
o Digestive stagnation: poor appetite, dyspepsia, gas, constipation, bloating,
inadequate bile production and secretion
o Gastritis and hepatobiliary disorders
o Peptic ulcers and gastric inflammation: combine with licorice
o Passive G.I. bleeding
o Felter writes that goldenseal is useful for “skin conditions depending on gastric
wrongs”, and adds, “the more the tendency toward chronic debility with
oversecretion the more effective is hydrastis. It first relieves the irritation, then
restrains the secretions, and finally gives tone to the gastric membranes. Without
question it is our best single drug for chronic gastric catarrh, or so-called chronic
gastritis. In that form due to alcoholic abuse, in which occurs the morning
vomiting of drunkards, with disgust for food and craving for stimulants,
hydrastis, with or without capsicum and nux vomica, gives incomparable
results.”
o To restore liver, gall bladder, and digestive function when impaired as a result of
alcoholism
• Topical uses:
o First aid to disinfect wounds and reduce likelihood of infection
o Eczema
o Ringworm, fungal or bacterial infection, athlete’s foot
o Mouthwash for inflammation, sore, bleeding, or inflamed gums, gingivitis,
canker sores, thrush
o Eyewash for conjunctivitis, allergic, infectious, or chronic
o Wash for inflamed eyelids / blepharitis
• Cardiovascular health: Although seldom used in this manner in modern times, there is
some historical use of goldenseal as a cardiac tonic. Ellingwood writes: “It stimulates
normal fibrillar contractility and increased tonus, encouraging the nutrition of muscular
structure.” Ganora writes that berberine has shown positive inotropic, negative
chronotropic, vasodilatve, and antiarrhythmic activity. As a cholagogue and hepatic,
goldenseal helps to normalize lipid metabolism and levels.
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
November 2016
• Also used for:
o Ellingwood write that Hydrastis is “an admirable restorative tonic. It is
demanded in convalescence from protracted fevers and debilitating
inflammation” and “prostrating night sweats”.
Passive bleeding including menorrhagia and postpartum bleeding (at least
partially due to hydrastine specifically): combine with Trillium, Geranium, and
Achillea (Trickey), Panax notoginseng
o Earache, tinnitus especially with an overproduction of wax
o May have anti-tumor activity, especially breast and stomach cancer; has been
shown in animal studies to promote apoptosis of cancer cells
Safety, Contraindications, Interactions and/or Toxicity:
• AHPA Safety Class 2(b), Interaction Class C
• Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation except under the supervision of a
qualified practitioner (although safety data is mainly based on isolated berberine)
• May increase blood plasma levels of drugs metabolized by the enzymes CYP3A4 and
CYP2D6.
• Potentially could negatively impact hepatic health including elevating liver enzymes
and potential for jaundice if used excessively or at too high a dose; may mildly increase
hypertension from overuse.
• Long term use should be discouraged, may interfere with bowel flora
Preparation:
Tincture
Capsule
Topical preparations
Dosage:
1-3 g per day as bulk herb
½-2 ml three times per day as tincture
500 mg three to six times per day as capsule
Major plant constituents: isoquinilone alkaloids including berberine, hydrastine, and
canadine; phenolic acids, resin, fatty acids. Note: hydrastine is not effectively water-soluble
and is mainly present in hydroethanolic extracts; berberine on the other hand is very water
soluble (Ganora).
Additional notes:
• Not effective for masking illicit drug use!
• Isolated berberine is used to treat diarrhea, infection but it is not the only active
constituent in goldenseal and may in fact be potentiated by other constituents present in
the whole rhizome.
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
November 2016
Sources:
AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook, 1st and 2nd Editions
Blumenthal, ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs
Bone and Mills, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
Brinker, Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions
Ellingwood, American Materia Medica
Felter, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Felter-Lloyd, King’s American Dispensatory
Gaby, A to Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions
Ganora, Herbal Constituents
Garran, Western Herbs According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hoffmann, Medical Herbalism
Mabberley, D.J., The Plant Book, Second Edition
PDR for Herbal Medicines, Third Edition
Skenderi, Herbal Vade Mecum
Tierra, Planetary Herbology
Tierra, Treating Cancer With Herbs
Trickey, Women, Hormones, and the Menstrual Cycle
Yance, Herbal Medicine, Healing, and Cancer
Winston and Kuhn, Herbal Therapy and Supplements
