History of Goldenseal's Herbal Medicine Uses

Goldenseal is a popular herbal supplement often found in herbal formulas with echinacea. It is also known as goldenroot and sello de oro.⁽⁴⁸⁾

Although often used together, goldenseal is not even in the same plant family as echinacea. Goldenseal is the species Hydrastis canadensis. It is in the plant family Ranunculaceae (as opposed to echinacea's plant family, Asteraceae).⁽⁴⁸⁾

Uses

Traditional uses of goldenseal include:^(3, 48)

• Acne
• Allergies
• Anorexia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Common cold and flu (including swine flu)
• Dandruff
• Disguise illegal drug use
• Earaches
• Eczema
• Eye infections (including conjunctivitis)
• Fever
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes (both oral and genital)
• Inflammation of mucous membranes (e.g., hemorrhoids)
• Menstrual problems
• Ringing of the ears
• Ringworm
• Skin rashes
• Upper respiratory tract infections (often with echinacea)
• Urinary tract infections
• Wound infections

Despite traditional uses, there is no clinical evidence supporting using goldenseal. In fact, animal studies suggest bioactive compounds in goldenseal could damage cell DNA.^(142, 143)