Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a North American botanical icon! This potent root has been a staple in Indigenous medicine, a prized trade good in early American herbalism, and a go-to for immune support and gut health in modern wellness.

What makes goldenseal so special? It’s all about the plant’s natural alkaloids, berberine and hydrastine, two potent compounds that give this herb its signature bitter kick and serious wellness boost. From fortifying your immune system and tackling seasonal sniffles to keeping your gut in check, goldenseal is the kind of herb you want in your toolkit for when you need to pull out the big guns!

So, what’s the best way to use it? How do you get the most out of its benefits without overdoing it? We'll dive into goldenseal’s rich history, health perks, best uses, safety tips, and even a simple DIY recipe to bring this herbal powerhouse into your wellness routine

Goldenseal Through the Ages: A Healing Herb with a Rich History

Goldenseal’s reputation as a healing herb is centuries old. It may be trendy now, but its historical uses show how valuable it has always been.

Native American Medicine

Indigenous tribes, particularly the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Kickapoo, recognized goldenseal’s healing potential and used it extensively for immune and digestive support, wound healing (often applied as a poultice), supporting eye health, and as a natural dye for fabric and face paint. This ancestral knowledge laid the groundwork for how we use goldenseal today.

Colonial America & the Eclectic Medicine Movement

European settlers quickly learned about goldenseal from Indigenous peoples. By the 19th century, it became a star ingredient in the Eclectic Medicine Movement, supported by holistic practitioners who preferred botanical remedies.

From 1830 to 1960, goldenseal’s medicinal properties earned it a place in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, commonly used as an immune booster and digestive tonic due to its microbial balancing properties.

Modern-Day Use

Today, goldenseal is a popular herbal remedy for immune support, digestive health, skin care, respiratory relief and overall lung health.

It’s often paired with echinacea or other immune supportive herbs for seasonal support.

Health Benefits & Medicinal Properties

Goldenseal has long been cherished for its impressive medicinal uses. Its power comes from three active alkaloids—berberine, hydrastine, and canadine—which work together to provide a range of health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at how this herb can improve your well-being.

Goldenseal and its active component, berberine, may affect blood sugar and both blood pressure levels. Berberine can lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity and blocking glucose absorption. However, caution is advised when using goldenseal alongside diabetes medications due to possible interactions.

1. Immune System Support

When it comes to keeping your immune system strong, goldenseal is a go-to! Its unique properties help your body defend itself against common threats.

• Supports healthy white blood cell balance to enhance your natural defenses.
• Microbial balancing properties helps fight off "bad" bugs that can enter your system.
• Helps maintain healthy mucous membranes in the respiratory system.
• Often paired with echinacea for a synergistic immune-boosting effect.

Goldenseal gives your immune system a powerful boost when you need it most. Its perfect for short-term support when symptoms are acute.

2. Digestive Health & Gut Balance

Your digestive system plays a critical role in overall health, and goldenseal steps in when your digestive tract needs swift support. With its bitter alkaloids and gut-balancing properties, this herb is a valuable ally for gastrointestinal wellness.

• Promotes gut health by supporting a balanced microbiome.
• Enhances digestion by supporting healthy enzyme and bile production.
• Soothes the inflammatory response and eases discomfort in the digestive tract.
• Relieves common digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
• Supports overall digestive efficiency, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.

Goldenseal ensures your digestive system works smoothly, which can have a ripple effect on your energy and overall vitality.

3. Skin & Wound Healing

Goldenseal isn’t just for internal health, it’s also a fantastic remedy for skin issues. Its microbial balancing properties make it ideal for supporting healthy healing and clearer skin.

• Aids in healing minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds when used topically.
• Helps soothe redness and skin irritation.
• Supports a healthy skin microbiome.
• Supports a healthy looking complexion and a natural glow.

Goldenseal is a go-to herb for addressing skin concerns, offering gentle care for both cosmetic and medicinal needs.

Sinus & Upper Respiratory Tract Support

Struggling with sinus pressure or respiratory discomfort, or concerned about chronic lung discomfort? Goldenseal can help! Its astringent and immune supportive properties work together to provide relief.

• Eases congested sinuses and clears excess mucus.
• Tones mucous membranes for improved respiratory health.
• Eases symptoms of post-nasal drip and seasonal allergies.

By keeping your respiratory system clear and healthy, goldenseal helps you breathe easier and feel more comfortable, no matter the season.

6. Women’s Health Support

Goldenseal tea has been a trusted remedy for women’s health for generations. Its ability to balance natural flora makes it especially helpful for specific female health concerns.

• Supports vaginal health by promoting balanced flora.
• Traditionally combined with cranberry or uva ursi for urinary tract health.
• Helps manage discomforts naturally.

Beyond these benefits, goldenseal’s versatility makes it a great addition to any woman’s wellness routine, supporting overall balance and vitality

SUMAC BERRY

Sumac berries possess a range of medicinal benefits attributed to their rich phytochemical profile. They are valued for their anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat various disorders including colds, influenza, and arthritis.

 The berries are also recognized for their ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol, with studies showing improvements in HDL (protective) cholesterol and reductions in LDL and triglyceride levels.

 Additionally, sumac berries exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activity, making them effective against pathogens like Salmonella and useful in treating skin inflammation and infections.

 They are traditionally used to manage diarrhea, dysentery, sore throats, and other conditions involving excessive secretions, and their astringent nature helps control fluid loss from the body.

 The berries are also considered beneficial for women’s health, acting as an emmenagogue to regulate menstruation and potentially easing menstrual cramps.

Calendula officinalis L., commonly known as pot marigold, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and homeopathy for treating a wide range of conditions.

 It is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects.

 The plant's therapeutic potential is attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, saponins, carotenoids, volatile oils, and polyphenols.

One of the most well-supported benefits of calendula is its role in wound healing. Topical application of calendula extracts, ointments, or gels has been shown to significantly reduce wound area and accelerate epithelialization in animal models.

 Human studies support this, with a 12-week trial showing 72% of participants with venous leg ulcers achieving complete healing with calendula extract, compared to 32% in the control group.

 Similarly, a 30-week study found that 78% of adults with diabetic foot ulcers experienced complete wound closure after daily treatment with a calendula spray.

 Calendula is also effective for oral wound healing, with a mouthwash reducing gum inflammation by 46% in a six-month study.

Calendula exhibits strong antimicrobial properties. In vitro studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against various pathogens, including Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

 It has shown promise in treating vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, with preliminary research indicating relief from symptoms like burning and odor.

 The plant also possesses antifungal activity, which may help reduce the risk of fungal infections, particularly after chemotherapy.

The plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its potential in managing chronic conditions. Calendula extracts have been found to inhibit lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress.

 These effects may support skin health, with studies showing calendula can enhance skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity, potentially delaying aging signs.

 In vitro research indicates calendula oil has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8.36, suggesting some protective effect against UV damage.

 It has also been used to treat diaper rash, with a 10-day study confirming its safety and effectiveness in children.

Calendula may offer benefits for specific systemic conditions. Animal studies suggest it has antidiabetic effects, normalizing glucose and insulin levels in diabetic rats.

 It also shows hepatoprotective activity, protecting the liver from damage caused by carbon tetrachloride.

 Additionally, research indicates potential antitumor effects, with flavonoids and triterpenoids inhibiting the growth of leukemia, colon, and pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory settings.

 However, these findings are preliminary, and calendula should not be used as a cancer treatment.

Other reported uses include relief from menstrual cramps, sore throats, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.

 A study found that applying calendula to anal fissures reduced pain in individuals unresponsive to standard treatments.

 Calendula tea is traditionally used as an eyewash, gargle, or for skin inflammation, though evidence for internal use is limited.

 It may also help with radiation dermatitis, although results from studies are mixed.