Goldenseal Root

What is Goldenseal Root?

The yellow tuberous root of Hydrastis canadensis, also known as Indian Paint and Yellow Puccoon, is referred to as goldenseal root. The continuing fallacy regarding the potential of goldenseal root to modify urine screening tests stems from the novel "John Uri Lloyd's" 1900 murder plot, in which the herb was erroneously identified as strychnine.

How to use Goldenseal Root?

Dosages that are advised differ significantly, ranging from 250 mg to 1 g administered three times daily. There are product labels that recommend increased dosages. Conventional dosages consist of 0.3 to 1 mL of 1:1 liquid extract in 60% ethanol or 0.5 to 1 g of desiccated rhizomes, administered three times daily.

Goldenseal Root  benefits:

However, goldenseal is occasionally employed to treat ocular infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, canker ulcers, and vaginitis, and is commonly believed to destroy microorganisms. In laboratory experiments, berberine, a compound found in goldenseal, was found to be effective against certain types of bacteria and fungi.

◉ May Help Herpes Outbreaks: THerbal medicine practitioners have historically employed goldenseal in combination with echinacea, myrrh, and St. John’s Wort to alleviate the symptoms associated with herpes outbreaks. Their belief is that goldenseal accelerates the healing of herpes. However, scientific or medical research has yet to provide any evidence to support this claim.

◉ May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections: Berberine has the potential to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urethral and bladder linings, thereby mitigating the risk of urinary tract infections. As with a number of other assertions regarding goldenseal, however, additional research is required to be certain.

◉ General Immune Support: Berberine and hydrastine, two of the alkaloids found in goldenseal, appear to enhance immune function. They destroy microorganisms, constituting an antimicrobial effect, and may also inhibit the development of malignancies. Inflammation may also be reduced by these compounds, which provides additional justification for their potential efficacy in alleviating digestive discomfort and common cold symptoms such as hoarse throat. However, further research is required to ascertain the mechanism of action, optimal dosage, and method of administration for optimal immune support.

◉ Digestive Support for Ailments like Bacterial Diarrhea and Gastritis: Research has demonstrated that goldenseal, which possesses antimicrobial properties in general, can be effectively utilized to treat bacterial gastroenteritis and gastritis.  A meta-analysis of multiple studies involving more than 3,900 individuals revealed that administering berberine in conjunction with antibiotics for infectious gastroenteritis resulted in superior outcomes than using antibiotics alone. An additional benefit was that hospitalizations for gastroenteritis were reduced when berberine alone was administered. In addition, this research revealed no significant adverse effects associated with the utilization of berberine in this fashion. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to substantiate its efficacy and safety.

Where to buy Goldenseal Root?

Buy goldenseal root from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Goldenseal Root information (at a glance):