Goldenseal History and Cultivation
Thank you Native Americans! Most of the information we have on the uses of Goldenseal comes from Native American healers. It is native to Eastern North America and is one of the most popular and valuable herbs available. Make sure to use this plant from organically cultivated sources instead of wildcrafted sources because of the overuse it has suffered in its natural habitat. It is on the UsP’s (United Plant Savers) endangered species list, so that has been helpful to bring back supplies but it could still use some help.
Try to plant some of this herb. It needs some shade its natural habitat is the hardwood forests of the eastern United States. If you get it going, it will re-seed and grow nicely. However it is hard to start it from seed, best to use cuttings or rhizomes. Cut rhizomes into 1 inch pieces, making sure each piece has an eye or node. Plant in the fall 6 to 8 inches apart and about 1/2 inch deep. It likes humus-rich soil with a pH of 6 to 7 and 70% shade. If you have a maple, birch or beech tree in your yard it may do well under one of them. These trees are the best for pH reasons. Goldenseal does need a cooling off period in the winter, so it doesn’t do well in more tropical climates. The roots or rhizomes need to be 3 years old before harvesting.
Goldenseal Uses, Functions and Indications
Clears Heat, Dries Damp, Reduces Infection and Stops Discharge, Stimulates Immunity.
The uses for Goldenseal are many. It is one of our most valuable and powerful herbs. The parts used are the roots or rhizomes and the leaf. However, the root is much much stronger. It is a natural anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory especially on the mucous membranes, good for the digestive system, known to stop bleeding, it has antiseptic properties. It has a beautiful, strong yellow-gold color and is very bitter. The bitterness makes it hard to drink in a tea, so tinctures or capsules may be easier to take. There are a lot of options for taking Goldenseal.
Because Goldenseal is a natural anti-biotic, it is often paired with Echinacea to fight infections, colds and flu. Goldenseal is one of the main ingredients in a fantastic, very useful treatment I use for conjunctivitis and other eye infections. It also works well for eye strain and any allergic conditions in the eyes.
Recipe: Take equal parts of Goldenseal Powder, Eyebright Powder, and Rose Petal Powder (1 gram of each works nicely.) Place the herbs in a tea bag and seal tightly. Bring 1 cup of saline solution (as for contact lenses) to a boil and add the tea bag. Turn off the heat and steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool, strain if needed and use as an eyewash with an eye cup. Refridgerate the remainder and warm to room temperature before using.
Tinctures – Goldenseal tinctures can be used for any mucous membrane infection or irritation. Nasal mucus, mucous colitis, gastroenteritis, and vaginal discharge. Due to it’s bitter properties it stimulates bile production, therefore, benefiting the liver, gallbladder and digestive system. Use as a wash for skin irritations and inflammations including eczema and measles. Mouthwash or gargle for mouth ulcers, gum disease, sore throats, and mucus conditions. Douche for vaginal discharge and yeast infections. Always use the amounts recommended on the bottle of tincture.
Capsules – Goldenseal capsules can be used for phlegm, respiratory infections, and gastric inflammation and digestive problems. Use as directed.
Pair with Echinacea for colds and flu, pair with Chaste-berry for menopausal hot flashes and pair with eyebright for hay fever and eye infections. Learn the basics and the cautions and then play and experiment with Goldenseal. It is a fantastic herb so use it wisely and be appreciative. It is one you should have in your herbal tool box for sure.
Parts used: Roots or rhizomes and the leaf (root is much stronger).
Key constituents: Hydrastine, berberine, resin, volatile oil, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid.
Properties: Bitter and astringent, cold with warming potential, dry congesting, astringing, stabilizing, restoring, and stimulating.
Actions: Astringent, tonic, digestive and bile stimulant, reduces phlegm, laxative, healing to all mucous membranes including gastric mucous membranes, can raise blood pressure.
Cautions: Goldenseal is a uterine stimulant so do not use in pregnancy. Be cautious in cases of high blood pressure. It is best to use this herb intermittently. If you need to use it for long periods of time use it for 3 weeks then take a break for 1 week and begin using again on the same cycle. If mucous membranes become more sensitive or inflamed discontinue use. Do not use as ear drops if there is a chance the ear drum is perforated.