Medicinal Monday...Goldenseal

Goldenseal has a long and colorful history. It is prized among many Native American communities for medicinal purposes and as a traditional dye.  Today, many people use goldenseal medicinally for a variety of ailments. The use of goldenseal as "herbal medicine" is not restricted by the FDA however, some medical professionals urge caution because of the plant's toxicity.

About Goldenseal

This woodland plant is native to the eastern woodlands of North America and Southern Canada. It is believed to be the only existing species of the genus Hydrastis. It is distinguished by its thick yellow-knotted roots. It grows by rhizomes and has a purplish and hairy stem and matures slowly. It produces flowers in its fourth or fifth year and has several growth stages. The first stage is when the seed erupts and embryonic leaves emerge. The second stage is when a jagged 5-lobed leaf develops with or without a stem, and the third stage is when a flower and the fruit and seeds appear. Fertile plants have a single stem with two palm-like lobed leaves. Flowering plants produce a single flower that blooms for a short time in the spring and is followed by a red raspberry-like fruit that turns into seeds. 

Cultural and Medicinal Uses

Many Native American communities boil the roots to make a yellow dye. Goldenseal is a perennial herb that contains the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine which have antiseptic effects. Documentation shows that goldenseal was used by Native Americans to treat sore eyes, mouth ulcers, tuberculosis, and edema. The Cherokee use this plant for cancer treatment, and to improve their appetite. They also use it as a tonic and wash for inflammation and skin diseases. The Iroquois took a decoction of the roots to treat whooping cough, fever, diarrhea, and gas. A compound infusion was made and used to treat earaches. The Iroquois mixed an infusion of roots with whisky and drank it as a stimulant. The Micmac used the root to treat chapped lips, and the Catawbas used boiled root to treat jaundice as well as colds and sores in the mouth.

Did You Know...

This plant has gone by many names including orangeroot, Indian dye, yellow root, ground raspberry, yellow puccoon, wild circuma, eye root, eye balm, yellow paint, wild Tumeric, and yelloweye.

This plant was very popular in the 19th century and was overharvested. Today it is considered an endangered plant and a permit to export it is required. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires only the legal harvesting of this plant.

Goldenseal is considered endangered in 17 of the 27 U.S. States where it grows. The core range is in the Ohio River Valley, where its population has decreased by more than half.

Recently it was cultivated in New Zealand with a positive growth rate.

Goldenseal is not advised if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

In the U.S. goldenseal is often combined with echinacea and sold to prevent colds.