Plant Profile: Goldenseal

Goldenseal

(Hydrastis canadensis)

Family: RANUNCULACEAE

Energetics: Cold. Drying.

Taste: Bitter

Tissue States: Hot & Damp. 

Systems Affected: Heart. Liver. Gallbladder. Respiratory system. Digestive system. Colon.

Parts Used: Root

Key Components: Hydrastine. Berberine. Resin. Chologenic acid. Fatty oil. Albumin. Sugar. Traces of volatile oils. 

Preparations & dosage: Decoction: 1/2-1 tsp simmered in 1 cup water 10-20 minutes. Tincture: 5-90 drops. Powdered: .5-10g In capsules. Tincture & encapsulated is best as it is extremely bitter. 

Actions: 
Foundational: Bitter. Astringent. Stimulant.
Primary: Alterative. Aperient. Hemostatic. Mucous membrane trophorestorative.
Secondary: Anti-inflammatory. Antibacterial (though not as you would think. Does not act directly on bacteria, but rather makes tissues inhospitable for bacteria HOWEVER the berberine does give it its own antimicrobial activity). Anti-fungal. 

Uses: 

Dries & cleanses mucous membranes. 
Tones damp, stagnant, weak & swollen tissues. 
Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. 
Liver congestion.
Bitter compounds make it useful for treating many kids of liver, gallbladder and digestive ailments.
Loss of appetite. 
Gastritis. 
Ulcers. 
Colitis.
IBS with mucus in stool. 
Internal or external infections. Especially fitting for mucous membrane infections of the skin, respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. 
Eyes wash for conjunctivitis.
Mouth rinse for mouth infections.
Gargle for sore throat. 
Chronic sinus infections. Due to anti-fungal properties. It has been discovered that chronic sinus infections are actually caused by fungus and not a bacteria which is probably why they are chronic because using antibiotics on it does nothing. 
Applied to clean wounds. Wounds must be clean as it could otherwise seal in pus, infection and dirt. 
Matthew Wood states that he has experienced Goldenseal to have the ability to seal internal tears such as herniated disks and torn meniscus (knee) or torn burs in the hip as well as torn muscle in other parts of the body. 


Combines well with: Garlic. Echinacea. Myrrh. Chapparal. Meadowsweet. Chamomile. Mullein (for ear drops). 

Identifying: 

Growing: Slow growing perennial. Very picky. It likes shady hard wood forests. Hummus rich soil, 70% shade and a soil PH of 6-7. Rosemary Gladstar recommends trying to grow it under maple, birch or beech trees. She also says that an area with oaks or evergreens will not be a good environment with it. 

Harvesting: Wait until it is as least 3 years old before harvesting. 

Contraindications: Not for use in pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterine muscles. Those with cold/deficient conditions should also avoid goldenseal. Use caution with some types of hypertension. Not meant to be used long term (more than 3-4 weeks at a time) because it can become a mucous membrane irritant. If you do find you need to use it long term use it for 3 weeks then take 1 week off and repeat as necessary. Goldenseal is listed as an at risk plant by United Plant Savers so be sure that the goldenseal you're using is organically cultivated and not wild harvested. 

Sources:

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 141

Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 139-143

The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 264
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 2: Matthew Wood. Pg 193-198
https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/goldenseal/

Studies: