This perennial herb may commonly be called orangeroot or yellow puccoon in certain areas, but it is scientifically known as Hydrastis canadensis, and belongs to the buttercup family. This herb is found in Canada and parts of the eastern United States, but has also spread to some parts of Europe. Commonly identified by its knotty, yellow root and purple stem, this plant has been an important part of traditional medicine in its native regions for thousands of years. The taste and smell of the herb are both considered very unpleasant or even acrid, and yet it is considered a “super herb” by many, and the powdered rootstock is palatable. Native Americans used goldenseal root for many different purposes, both culturally and medicinally, and also made use of the leaves and flowers. Modern research has supported the use of this herb for many different ailments, given its rich chemical composition, including many alkaloids, which directly impact the body and its functions.

As a multi-purpose remedy, you can get it in many different forms, including salves, tablets, tinctures, and bulk powder, as well as goldenseal root supplements. It is important that you follow all relevant instructions from your herbalist or natural medicine provider. Only small amounts of powdered or concentrated goldenseal rootstock is necessary for most treatments, and excessive use can negatively impact the nervous system, even resulting in convulsions or seizures.

Health benefits

This unassuming little herb may not look like it, but there are many health benefits of goldenseal, including the treatment of sinus conditions, bowel irregularity, nausea, sexually transmitted infections, inflammation, allergies, and fevers.

Bowel Irregularity: Some of the most common remedies using goldenseal are for issues in the gut and gastrointestinal tracts. If you suffer from ulcers or irregular bowel movements, the anti-inflammatory capacity of goldenseal can help you get your system back on track. Ulcers, constipation, bloating and cramping are not only annoying, but can also hint at or lead to more serious health conditions. Goldenseal rootstock can help keep your gut healthy and strong.

Sinus Conditions: Powdered rootstock of goldenseal was often used as a form of snuff, and it acted to reduce inflammation and infection in the sinus cavities. The strong antimicrobial properties of goldenseal rootstock helped people quickly relieve sinus conditions and prevent ongoing illness with the use of this remedy. Now, the snuff form of goldenseal rootstock isn’t as commonly used, but the powdered form can still be purchased in capsule form.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: If you suffer from topical inflammation or joint pain, then a salve or cream using goldenseal root powder can be a rapid and effective solution. A small amount of this powder is all you should need, and you can topically apply it directly to the skin. Capsules and supplements can also help with internal inflammation, including lowering blood pressure and soothing the gut.

Heal the Skin: The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of goldenseal make it very effective for people suffering from skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, or dry skin. Skin infections come in many shapes and sizes, including bacterial, viral, and fungal, but topical salves and tinctures of goldenseal can quickly eliminate that inflammation and neutralize the infection.

Antiviral Activity: If you suffer from a weak immune system, adding goldenseal to your daily or weakly health regiment can seriously boost your immunity and keep your respiratory and intestinal systems clean. Prostate and vaginal infections can be particularly difficult and painful to treat, but it has long been used to treat sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea.

Parasitic Issues: Parasitic worms are not a huge problem in the western world, but they are still a major threat in places that don’t have access to clean water; the anthelmintic properties of goldenseal can help to starve the intestinal worms and cause them to die, where they will then be passed from the system via normal routes (it also acts like a laxative, making this elimination even easier).

Boosted Appetite: Increasing your appetite often means an increase in your metabolism, as your body is burning calories faster. Also, following an illness, injury, or trauma, one’s appetite can often suffer, causing more physical and psychological repercussions. Goldenseal has been linked to boosting appetite for generations.

Allergy Prevention: Those who suffer from intense allergic reactions or are easily sent into a sneezing fit as soon as spring comes around, may benefit from the anti-allergenic properties of goldenseal. The powder can reduce inflammation of the mucus membranes and prevent severe allergic reactions by calming the nervous system.

Fever Reduction: While a fever does signal that the body is fighting off an infection, ongoing fevers can exhaust the body, cause dehydration, and even brain damage in extreme cases. Goldenseal can effectively lower fevers and reduce the strain on the body during prolonged illnesses.

Detoxify the Body: Not only does goldenseal act as a laxative in many cases, but it is also a hepatic substance, meaning that it helps to clean out the blood and detoxify the body. The liver and kidneys do a whole lot of work for us, and anything to make their jobs a bit easier is a good idea. The hepatic nature of goldenseal can help with circulation and reduce your risk of chronic blood-borne disease.

A Final Word of Warning: Goldenseal powder in its pure form is very strong, and only very small amounts are needed for effective remedies. Excess use can cause nervous system issues, convulsions, seizures, and mental distress. Always follow your doctor or herbalist’s instructions for use, and consult a medical professional before adding any new, powerful herbal remedies to your health regimen.