Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) - Botanical Medicines

Goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis )

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. It was used by American Indians for a wide variety of conditions, including infections. Goldenseal is considered a blood purifier and an antiseptic tonic for the digestive tract and mucous membrane.

According to Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide , the medicinal benefits of goldenseal are due to its high content of biologically active alkaloids–berberine, hydrastine, and canadine. Berberine has proven a potent activator of macrophages, cells that digest waste matter in the blood. Berberine has been used to effectively combat bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, including Giardia lamblia, Candida albicans and Streptococcus spp.

According to Murray and Pizzorno, goldenseal is effective in treating many acute diarrheas. It is usually included in most detoxification formulas because it increases splenic blood flow, improves liver function, and increases white cell activity in patients with the Epstein-Barr virus.