Goldenseal Ingredient Fact Sheet (2024)

Goldenseal information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about goldenseal as well as a complete list of products containing goldenseal.

What is goldenseal and what does it do?

Goldenseal, with the scientific term Hydrastic Canadensis, was introduced the Pilgrims that settled in America by the Native American tribes that first inhabited the land. It’s first uses were commonly for skin problems, as well as for washing eyes that were sore.

Goldenseal is a part of the buttercup family, also used to produce golden-yellow dye. In the early part of the 20th century, tonics were made with goldenseal and become popular as an agent to treat menstrual disorders and stomach problems. With the arrival of the 50s and 60s, individuals began taking goldenseal tea because they believed it would prevent the detection of marijuana in their system. And while numerous studies have been conducted that have ruled out this possibly, one study in particular found that goldenseal tea hid amphetamines and THC in ones system, which can be found in marijuana.

Because of the ability to hide drugs in ones system, goldenseal became extremely popular and overharvested and is now on the verge of being an endangered species.

The components found inside goldenseal consist of berberine, an agent that kills many different kinds of bacteria – specifically the one that causes diarrhea. Berberine may also be ability to kill a household variety selection of germs, such as those that cause yeast infections, tapworms, and Giardia. Berberine is believed to possibly be able to activate white blood cells, making your body more efficient at fighting illnesses and combating common sicknesses and ailments.

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What are the benefits of taking goldenseal?

In today’s modern society, goldenseal plays a role in the digestion of food, as well as acting as a relief to an upset stomach and as an antiviral agent. It’s an antibiotic and is usually partnered with Echinacea during preparations to increase the strength of the immune system.

A lot of professional herbalists suggest using goldenseal as an herbal treatment against hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. They also suggest using goldenseal to fight common colds and the flu. It is believed that goldenseal is also beneficial as an antiseptic and astringent, typically using the substance to disinfect cuts and scrapes. Goldenseal is often used to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions that affect the skin, eye, and mucous membranes.

Some mouth washes also contain goldenseal to help fight sore throats and canker sores.

While goldenseal has not be extensively investigated in scientific trials, some trials that have been conducted have focused on the beneficial traits of berberine, an active compound found in berberine that is used heavily in traditional Chinese Medicine. These trials have shown that berberine may be useful in treating malaria, various types of infections, and heart failure.

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Who can benefit from taking goldenseal?

Individuals that are susceptible to colds or illnesses on a frequent basis may benefit from supplementing with goldenseal because of its potential antiviral properties.

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How much goldenseal should I take?

For children, you adjust the recommended adult dosage in proportion to the weight of the child. Typically, herbal doses for adults go on the basis of 150 pounds. That means if a child weighs only 50 pounds, you should only use 1/3 of the adult dosage for that child.

Adults should take 500-2,000 mg up to 3 times a day when it capsule or tablet form. For standardized extracts of 30 to 120 mg, take up to 3 times daily. The preparation for goldenseal can also be different, depending on the reason for using the substance.

For earaches, you want to mix it with olive oil and use as eardrops. For sore throats, gums, or mouth, use one cup of water, ¼ tsp salt, and ½ tsp of goldenseal powder to make a mouthwash. Don’t be worried about it dissolving completely as it won’t, and rinse and spit out.
For vagin*l irritations, use the same mixture above but use 1 cup of warm water to make a goldenseal douche. After you let the mixture settle, drain and discard of any suspended particles.

And as always, regardless of what is read here always strictly follow and adhere to the instructions found on the back of the supplement’s label that you are wishing to take.

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Does goldenseal have any side effects?

Women that are pregnant or those that are breastfeeding should not taken goldenseal, nor should those men or women that have high blood pressure.

Goldenseal has the potential of irrating your skin, throat, mouth, and vagin* for females. It may also limit and lower the amount of good forms of bacteria located in your digestive system, which will cause you to experience nausea and diarrhea.

Goldenseal may also increase your sensitivity to sunlight.

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