Goldenseal’s cure-all reputation

One of the first known medicinal uses of goldenseal was by Native Americans, who used the indigenous plant’s roots and underground stem as a treatment for eye infections, diarrhea, fever, wounds, sore throats and coughs. The herb became popular in the 19th century, when it was touted as a cure-all used in various medical tonics. Today, goldenseal is one of the top-selling herbs in the U.S. It’s also one of the most expensive. Impurities can be a problem; because the plant has been over-harvested, other plants, such as bloodroot, are sometimes passed off as goldenseal.

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Uses: Natural medicine practitioners often recommend topical or liquid goldenseal to treat skin wounds, fungal infections, mouth sores and eye infections, and tablets or tea for upset stomachs, diarrhea, colds, respiratory infections and irregular menstruation.

Dose: 250 to 2,000 milligrams, or 1 to 4 milliliters a day. Goldenseal extract is available in tea, caplets and tinctures.

Precautions: High doses of goldenseal can irritate the mouth, throat and stomach and may cause nausea and vomiting. Long-term use may reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B and cause hallucinations. Pregnant women should avoid goldenseal, as it has the potential to induce labor.

Research: Some laboratory studies have shown that berberine, one of goldenseal’s active ingredients, can kill many bacteria, including several that cause diarrhea. There is very little research on goldenseal’s effectiveness in humans.

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Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your health-care provider for advice on selecting a brand.

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-- Elena Conis