Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Goldenseal is an herb. The dried root is used to make medicine.

Goldenseal is used for the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, as well as stuffy nose and hay fever. Some people use goldenseal for digestive disorders including stomach pain and swelling (gastritis), peptic ulcers, anal ulcers, colitis (inflammation of the colon), diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, and intestinal gas.

Goldenseal is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), internal bleeding, child birth, bleeding after childbirth, liver disorders, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), jaundice, gonorrhea, fever, pneumonia, malaria, whooping cough, to hide urine tests for illicit (illegal) drugs, and an eating disorder called anorexia.

Women use goldenseal for vaginal pain and swelling and problems with menstruation.

Goldenseal is applied to the skin for rashes, ulcers, wound infections, itching, eczema, acne, dandruff, ringworm, herpes blisters, and cold sores. It is used as a mouthwash for sore gums and mouth.

Some people use goldenseal as an eyewash for eye inflammation and eye infections called conjunctivitis, or "pink eye."

Goldenseal is used in the ears for ringing, earache, and deafness.

How does it work?

Goldenseal contains the chemical berberine, which might have effects against bacteria and fungi. For example, it can prevent the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) from binding to urinary tract walls. Berberine also has properties that can lower blood pressure and improve irregular heartbeats. In addition, early research suggests that berberine can lower blood sugar and "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

However, many of the important chemicals in goldenseal are poorly absorbed when taken by mouth and might not reach the concentrations needed to have significant effects in humans. So, it is unknown whether goldenseal has the same effects as berberine.

Masking illegal drugs in urine tests.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Colitis.
Conjunctivitis.
Hay fever.
Hemorrhoids.
Loss of appetite (anorexia).
Menstrual irregularities.
Nasal congestion.
Stomach ulcers.
Stomach upset.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

0.25g-1g 3 times daily for no more than 7 days.

Goldenseal is SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth as a single dose. There is not enough reliable information to know if goldenseal is safe for long-term use.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Using goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding is LIKELY UNSAFE for the infant. A hazardous chemical in goldenseal can cross the placenta and can also find its way into breast milk. Brain damage (kernicterus) has developed in newborn infants exposed to goldenseal. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Children: Don't use goldenseal in newborn babies. It is LIKELY UNSAFE for them. It might cause brain damage (kernicterus).

Bleeding conditions: Use goldenseal with caution. Taking goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.

Diabetes: Goldenseal contains berberine. Berberine can lower blood sugar. In theory goldenseal may lower blood sugar and cause blood sugar to become too low if taken by people with diabetes who are controlling their blood sugar with insulin or medications. Use with caution in people with diabetes.

High bilirubin levels in the blood in infants: Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when the old red blood cells break down. It is normally removed by the liver.

Berberine, a chemical in goldenseal, may keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough. This can cause brain problems, especially in infants with high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Avoid using.

Surgery: Goldenseal might increase the risk for bleeding. People who take goldenseal should stop at least 2 weeks before surgery.