Top 3 Goldenseal Root Benefits and the Magic of Berberine

Distinguished by its brightly pigmented golden-yellow roots, this underground rootstock is considered the most medicinally potent part of the plant. It is generally a tangled display of thick rhizomes with offshoots of slender root stems. Usually, dried bulk cut and sifted goldenseal is composed of a mix of both.

However, goldenseal is more commonly used as a powder, especially when making homemade preparations such as extracts, infusions, capsules and salves.

In modern times, goldenseal is a familiar herbal ally in most worldwide botanical pharmacopoeia for some pretty noteworthy reasons.

Because of its extreme potency, it is not one that is recommended for regular use or in large quantities, but used periodically at lower dosages within a small time frame.

Here are the top 3 benefits of goldenseal to contemplate.

In the realm of the natural healing traditions, goldenseal has been an enduring choice for its immune-stimulating attributes that foster the body's natural defense mechanisms.

This is due the main active compound known as BERBERINE along with other secondary alkaloids HYDRASTINE and CANADINE, all of which have been identified to possess strong antibacterial activity. 

For this reason, it is often viewed as a type of natural antibiotic for inhibiting acute bacterial infections and subsequent inflammation.

Goldenseal is therefore an often-included ingredient in many herbal supplement formulations as a preventative protocol for colds and flus as well as upper respiratory and sinus infections.

It is common to find it used with other herbs like echinacea and elderberry in winter care formulas.

Also working in conjunction with its mentioned immune supporting attributes, goldenseal and its ANTIMICROBIAL germ-fighting quality is simultaneously useful as an antifungal agent.

Along with pau d'arco, olive leaf, neem, Oregon grape root and oregano oil extracts, goldenseal is on the list of herbal remedies for addressing intestinal candida overgrowth, a fungal infection that throws off gut bacteria.

Goldenseal's BERBERINE is the main constituent responsible for this influence in addition to its deep golden color.

Berberine is likewise very BITTER in taste and acts as a liver-cleansing ALTERATIVE. Bitter herbal tonics work as bile-promoting digestive aids that encourage better intestinal waste elimination or bowel movements.

Tasting the actual herb by consuming liquid extracts or a small amount of goldenseal powder mixed into water is best for such purposes.

From an herbalist’s perspective, bitter alterative herbs are also ANTIPARASITIC, helping to open detoxification pathways. Goldenseal can therefore be a great household herb to have handy when a little intestinal cleansing is in order.

One of the first things we were personally taught about goldenseal powder many years ago in herbal apprenticeships is that it doesn't need to be simmered like other roots.

You can infuse it in hot (not boiling) water, but it is not necessary or exactly palatable as a hot tea. We typically mix ground root powders into room-temperature water.

Usually, the average dose amount is very small at about 1/8-1/4 teaspoon (500-1000 milligrams) of the finely ground powder one to three times daily. It is good to start out at an extremely minute dose (250mg or just a pinch) if you are new to taking it.

While goldenseal is relatively expensive compared to other herbs, it doesn't take much to adjunct a holistic lifestyle routine when you need an immune boost or periodic cleanse.

It delivers a strong bitter earthiness and will pigment water or anything it touches a bold yellow color.

Again, it is safe for short-term adult use only and is best to follow recommended dosage amounts on product labels. A little too much can cause nausea or loose stools.

It is widely available from online suppliers in the form of capsules, liquid extracts and of course bulk powders.

Golden"seal", as the name implies, is especially valued for its wound "sealing" and healing actions. Not only does it provide antiseptic properties, but likewise acts as an astringent for repairing minor wounds, like cuts and scrapes. While its alkaloid compounds work internally for this as well, topical use can be especially beneficial.

We've used the dried powder directly on such skin issues. Goldenseal, however, is also found as an ingredient, along with calendula and myrrh resin, in herbal salves for rashes or irritations.

Another popular antiseptic use of goldenseal is as a mouthwash for oral health care. In some research, Hydrastis canadensis was shown to inhibit pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, a main cause of tooth decay.