Self Help

Goldenseal is a very powerful herb. Many contemporary herbalists call it one of the most useful herbs while several scientific authorities believe that the herb may cause death from respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest. On balance, there is no cause for alarm. Goldenseal may be beneficial when used carefully, though keep in mind that harmful effects are possible.

The Indians of the Northeast pounded goldenseal’s yellow roots and used the yellow juice as a dye. They also used it medicinally as an eyewash, as a treatment for skin wounds, sore throat, digestive complaints, and for recovery from childbirth.

Samuel Thomson, founder of Thomsonian herbal medicine, popularized the herb as an antiseptic. Thomson disliked the herb’s Indian name, yellow root, and changed it to goldenseal. The herb was used externally to relieve hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), eczema, boils and wounds, and internally as a digestive stimulant and treatment for colds, tonsillitis, diphtheria, uterine problems, postpartum hemorrhage, digestive ailments, and as a tonic during convalescence from any major illness.

Modern herbalists recommend goldenseal externally as an antiseptic to clean wounds and as treatment for eczema, ringworm, athlete’s foot, itching, and conjunctivitis. They prescribe
it internally for digestive upsets and colds, as a douche, and to stop excessive menstrual flow and postpartum uterine bleeding. Goldenseal is also a favorite of homeopaths, who prescribe microdoses for alcoholism, asthma, indigestion, cancer, hemorrhoids, and liver ailments.

Goldenseal remains a popular folk medicine. The herb was used extensively as an astringent and antiseptic to treat canker sores, chapped lips, and many other external problems.

Goldenseal may aid in the treatment of bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections. Berberine, which is found in goldenseal, kills many bacteria that cause diarrhea. Berberine is also effective against the protozoans that cause amoebic dysentery and giardiasis. Moreover, several reports show berberine to be effective against the cholera bacteria. These results support goldenseal’s long history as a gastrointestinal remedy, particularly for infectious diarrhea. In addition to killing germs, berberine may boost the immune system by revving up the white blood cells (macrophages) that devour disease-causing microorganisms.

Goldenseal may help soothe the intestine and stimulate bile secretion in humans, which would help digest fats. Several animal studies show that this powerful herb helps shrink tumors, lending support to goldenseal’s traditional use as a cancer treatment. In the future, there may be a role for it in cancer chemotherapy.