Nowadays, many people may not recognize goldenseal by name when looking at this herb. Reaching its height of fame in the 80s and 90s, goldenseal was traditionally used for a wide variety of wellness concerns.
Goldenseal has long been valued as a restorative herb for the digestive and respiratory systems, and as a general support for healthy inflammatory response. Its claim to fame comes from the bright yellow pigment found in the roots, associated with naturally occurring plant compounds such as berberine.
In a world where environmental stressors are everywhere, this powerful plant ally remains a treasured herb for digestive and respiratory support.
Rich in unique compounds such as berberine and hydrastine, along with naturally occurring antioxidants, goldenseal has traditionally been used to support general wellness and the healthy movement of fluids in the body.
Freeze-Dried Goldenseal
Our freeze-dried goldenseal capsules are made from sustainably-grown goldenseal root and rhizome, preserved without heat to help maintain the plant’s naturally occurring compounds, including berberine and hydrastine.
Traditionally valued for digestive, respiratory, immune, and mucous membrane support, goldenseal has long been used by herbalists as a bitter tonic and astringent herb.
What is Goldenseal?
Goldenseal is a North American perennial herb found in forested areas, where it grows in rich soils. Traditionally used by Native Americans, it was also known as yellow root. This golden ally was widely used by the Cherokee in traditional herbal practices.
Unlike many plants, goldenseal is mostly propagated by rhizomes that spread and eventually form colonies of plants.
This remarkable way of growing has helped the plant survive, even through times of overharvesting.
Goldenseal is listed by United Plant Savers as an at-risk plant, so it is important to choose goldenseal only from sustainable sources.
Key Benefits of Goldenseal at a Glance
Goldenseal offers support as a tonic herb for the body, with particular affinity for the digestive and respiratory systems.
- Supports Digestive Health:Â As a bitter herb, goldenseal helps support healthy bile flow and gastric secretions, aiding normal digestive function.
- Supports Lymphatic Health:Â Goldenseal has traditionally been used to support the healthy movement of fluids in the body, including lymphatic flow.
- Supports Circulation:Â Goldenseal has traditionally been used to support healthy circulation and help maintain normal fluid movement in the body.
- Supports Whole-Body Wellness:Â When taken in small amounts, goldenseal has traditionally been used as a tonic herb to support resilience and overall wellness over time.
- Supports Respiratory Health:Â Goldenseal has an affinity for the mucous membranes and has traditionally been used to support the upper respiratory tract and sinus health.
- Traditionally Valued in Herbal Practices: Goldenseal was used by the Cherokee and other traditional herbal practitioners for a variety of wellness concerns, including women’s health.
Goldenseal and the Immune System
Goldenseal has traditionally been turned to seasonally for environmental stressors and immune support. The plant compounds in goldenseal help support the body’s natural defenses and the immune system during times of seasonal challenge. Its bitter alkaloid berberine is one of the compounds that has contributed to goldenseal’s long-standing reputation in herbal practice.
The Eclectics
The Eclectics first learned about goldenseal from Native Americans, who used it as a bitter tonic and astringent for irritation of the mucous membranes. Traditionally, the root was prepared as an infusion for the eyes and skin, while the powder was applied externally in folk practice.
Goldenseal was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia from 1831–1842 and again from 1863–1936. It has stood the test of time and remains a staple in the herbalist’s toolkit.
Goldenseal & Modern Research
Modern research on goldenseal is promising, especially regarding its naturally occurring constituents, including berberine and hydrastine. Berberine has become a popular plant compound in modern supplements, while hydrastine has been studied for its traditional connection to mucous membrane and respiratory support.
The Author: Dre'von Elmore
A first-generation American Herbalist, Dre'von has been studying herbs for around a decade, with goals of becoming a clinical herbalist. His interests lie in herb growing, medicine making and herbal processing. Upon completing his masters degree in herbal studies this fall, Dre'von will concurrently be attending his first year of acupuncture school to eventually graduate with a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Freeze-Dried Goldenseal
Our freeze-dried goldenseal capsules are made from sustainably-grown goldenseal root and rhizome, preserved without heat to help maintain the plant’s naturally occurring compounds, including berberine and hydrastine.
Traditionally valued for digestive, respiratory, immune, and mucous membrane support, goldenseal has long been used by herbalists as a bitter tonic and astringent herb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldenseal
What is goldenseal traditionally used for?
Goldenseal has traditionally been used by herbalists to support digestive health, respiratory wellness, mucous membrane health, and overall immune system support.
What part of the goldenseal plant is used?
The root and rhizome are the most traditional and most commonly used parts, especially in classic herbal preparations and commerce. But the leaf also contains goldenseal’s characteristic alkaloids and is sometimes used as a more sustainable option, because harvesting leaf does not destroy the whole plant.
Can goldenseal be taken every day?
Goldenseal is generally used short-term or seasonally rather than as a daily long-term tonic. Always follow product directions and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner if pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a health condition.
Is goldenseal sustainable?
Goldenseal is considered an at-risk plant by United Plant Savers, so it is important to choose products made with responsibly and sustainably sourced goldenseal.
Why is goldenseal associated with berberine?
Goldenseal root contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including berberine, which gives the root its distinctive golden-yellow color.
