Golden Seal Herbal Remedies
A North American native herb, golden seal is widely known and used for colds, flu, dyspepsia, gastritis, and sinus and bladder infections. It is especially useful for diarrhea and chronic excess mucus in the bowels, with attendant loss of efficiency in absorbing nutrients and eliminating wastes. It is indicated for bacterial or amebic infections of the digestive tract, such as giardia and dysentery. Topically it is useful for conjunctivitis, gum problems, and ear inflammations. Because of its astringency, it is often used as a douche for vaginal problems or infections from candida or trichomonas. Golden seal cools infections of the mucous membranes, cleanses the blood, and lowers inflammation. The powder can be sprinkled on cuts or wounds to help stop bleeding. Golden Seal has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD.
Golden Seal Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Golden Seal Decoction | 1 cup 3 x daily |
| Golden Seal Powder | 1 capsule 2-3 x daily |
| Golden Seal Tincture | 1-2 droppersful twice daily |
Golden Seal Reference Information
| Latin Name | Hydrastis canadensis |
| Other Names | Yellow root |
| Part Used | Root, Rhizome |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, tablet, capsule, bulk herb, powder. |
| Affects | Digestive system, Immune system, Nervous system |
| Cautions | Contraindicated in pregnancy. Because it is a cold, bitter herb, it can weaken digestion and assimilation in people with internal damp and cold constitutions or conditions. In this case, always add warming herbs such as osha to counteract this tendency. |
| Botanical Info | A small perennial plant native to the deep hardwood forests of the eastern U.S. that grows to about one foot high, with several five- to nine-lobed leaves, a cluster of small white flowers, and red berries. |
Supporting Research
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.
Kuts-Cheraux, A.W., ed. 1953. Naturae Medicina. Des Moines: American Naturopathic Physicians & Surgeons Association.
Merck & Co. 1907. Merck's 1907 Index. Rahway, N.J.:Merck & Co.