Goldenseal offers a plethora of health benefits, but it is most commonly used in combination with Echinacea for the treatment of common colds and respiratory infections. This herb was originally used by native North Americans for a variety of infectious complaints including those of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. In the herbal medicine community, Goldenseal is known as the "king of the mucous membranes".

Key Medicinal Properties of Goldenseal

Berberine

The major constituent of Goldenseal is berberine, and it is the source of Goldenseal's infection-fighting ability. Berberine has anti-microbial activity against viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria.

Hydrastine

Another constituent of Goldenseal is called hydrastine and is the component that relaxes smooth muscles. This is helpful to relieve coughs, and intestinal and stomach spasms and decrease blood pressure. This makes Goldenseal useful in the treatment of the common cold, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), and hypertension.

Top Health Benefits of Goldenseal

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Mucous Benefits of Goldenseal

Additionally, goldenseal has been found to decrease secretions and inflammation in mucous membranes. Thus it can be used for the treatment of gastritis, inflammatory bowel problems, cystitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, bronchitis and rhinitis (nasal inflammation).

Common Cold Benefits of Goldenseal

Because it reduces secretions from mucous membranes and relaxes the muscles of the airway, Goldenseal can help reduce the symptoms of the common cold. It is also rich in antimicrobial berberines, thus it can help to treat the cause of the cold at the same time.

Digestive Benefits of Goldenseal

Because of its strong taste and effects on mucous membranes, Goldenseal can also be used as a digestive bitter. Digestive bitters are herbal preparations that help to stimulate the digestive system and promote increased secretion of saliva, stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes.

Goldenseal Supplement Varieties

Goldenseal can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablet, extract or tincture. In general liquid preparations of goldenseal are stronger than dried preparations. Formulas often contain the whole plant but the root is where the most beneficial medicinal properties are found. 

Goldenseal is found in formulas for colds and flu, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections and healing mucus membranes. It can be taken orally or applied topically for skin infections.

Potential Side Effects & Important Information

Goldenseal can cause many side effects, including digestive irritation and upset, anxiety, contractions of the uterus, and jaundice in newborns. If taken in large amounts, goldenseal can cause seizures and respiratory failure and may affect the contraction of the heart. It is important to follow dosage directions on the supplement label or by the directive from your healthcare practitioner.