Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis, L..

A perennial herb native to the moist woods and damp meadows of eastern North America. The rough, wrinkled yellow root contains several alkaloids. The plant sends up a simple hairy stem 8-20 in tall with three to five lobed, dark green leaves that in the summer may become 4-10 in broad. The May and June flower is a solitary one, small white or rose coloured, appearing in early spring proceeded by a crimson head or small berries resembling raspberry, and consists of many two seeded drupes. The wild plant is scarce today and is cultivated for medicinal purposes..

Medicinal Part: root

Solvents: alcohol, diluted alcohol, boiling water,

Uses:. A wonderful cooling anti-inflammatory herb with antibiotic and antiseptic properties, goldenseal is good for infections and inflammations. It cleanses the mucous membranes and lymph glands throughout the body and dries yellow discharges in heated leukorrhea (whitish discharge of the female genital organs) and vaginal yeast and bladder infections. It kills yeast and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and clears the flora when used moderately.
Goldenseal detoxifies the liver and blood, it is effective against flu, fevers and infections (including sinus) when used continuously for 10 days.


Precautions: long-term use can weaken the flora of the colon and diminish Vitamin B absorption.