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What Is Goldenseal Root Used For?

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a plant, native to North America, which has been used medicinally for many years. A staple in early Native American medicine, goldenseal is also known by other names, such as eye root, Indian dye, ground raspberry, orange root, yellow root, wild curcuma and eye balm, according to Botanical.com. Goldenseal root is used in alternative medicine today for the treatment and prevention of diseases, injuries and infections.

  1. Historical Uses

    • In the traditional medicinal practices of the Cherokee tribe, goldenseal root was used to treat eye problems, reports StevenFoster.com. The Cherokee also used it topically to treat skin inflammation and infections, and internally to aid digestion and improve appetite. The Iroquois used goldenseal root to treat whooping cough, pneumonia, fever, stomach upset, diarrhea and heart ailments. Use of goldenseal spread to European settlers in North America, who learned of its medicinal properties from Native Americans, says the Nutrition Supplement Educational Centre (NSEC).

    Uses in Modern Alternative Medicine

    • Today, herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners use golden seal to relieve the symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and hay fever, the NSEC reports, as well as to boost the immune system. Goldenseal is also commonly used to treat athlete's foot, skin infections and rashes. Inflammation of the digestive tract is also treated with goldenseal root, as are canker sores and gum disease, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

    Scientific Evidence

    • While there has not been much scientific study done on goldenseal itself, its main active ingredient, berberine, has been the subject of clinical study. According to the NCCAM, research indicates berberine may be an effective remedy for some conditions for which it is commonly used, such as infectious diarrhea and bacterial infections. In a July 2006 article published by Science Daily, researchers in Australia said berberine has shown some promise in the control of diabetes.

    Misconceptions

    • According to AdventistHealthCare.com, goldenseal has been promoted in some circles as a means to clear evidence of illegal drugs from the body, to allow drug users to avoid a positive result during drug screenings. However, this reported use for goldenseal is merely an urban legend---the herb is not effective for this purpose, and cannot be used to "fool" a drug test.

    Cautions

    • As with any medication, herbal or pharmaceutical, consult a medical practitioner or pharmacist before using goldenseal, especially if you are using other medications regularly or have chronic health issues. According to the NCCAM, goldenseal is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing, and the safety of high doses or long-term use has not been proven.

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