Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a small perennial plant with a single hairy stem producing two five-lobed serrated leaves and a small single apetalous flower with greenish sepals, giving way to a raspberry-like fruit. It grows in rich shady woodlands through north and north-eastern North America, but is rare in the wild and is usually cultivated for commerce.

Constituents: 5% of the root consists of isoquinoline alkaloids (hydrastine, berberine and canadine) chlorogenic acid, traces of essential oil, resin, fatty oil, starch, sugar

Hydrastis has a powerful tonic action on the mucous membranes of the body and is useful in many digestive problems, such as gastritis, ulceration and colitis. It may be used to treat depressed digestion associated with liver disorder or sensitivity (e.g. to fatty foods and alcohol). It is also a valuable remedy for the treatment of upper respiratory catarrh. As a bitter stimulant it is useful in anorexia. Its tonic and astringent actions contribute to its use in uterine conditions such as menorrhagia and hemorrhage. It helps reduce menopausal symptoms and can ease pre-menstrual syndromes linked with stagnation.

Externally, Hydrastis used in the treatment of eczema, ringworm, pruritis, earache and conjunctivitis. It may be used as a mouthwash for gum disease and mouth ulcers, as a douche for vaginal problems, as eardrops for middle-ear inflammation and congestion, and as a snuff for nasal inflammation.

Berberine is a bitter alkaloid with antibacterial and antiprotozoal effects: it is also sedative to the central nervous system. Hydrastine is a stimulant to the autonomic nervous system and appears to exert astringent effects on mucosal surfaces throughout the body. Canadine is bitter and sedative.

Actions: Tonic, astringent, antihaemorrhagic, choleretic, antimicrobial, anticatarrhal, mild laxative, cholagogue, alterative, stimulant to autonomic nervous system and involuntary muscle, stomatic, oxytocic, bitter digestive stimulant, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, healing to the gut wall and other mucous membranes, hypertensive, sedative to central nervous system.

As Hydrastis stimulates the involuntary muscles of the uterus, it should be avoided during pregnancy. It should not be given in hypertensive conditions.

GOLDEN SEAL ROOT Capsules, American supplier

A great source in the UK is available here

Another great source is here