Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is known to the natives of North America as the medicinal yellow root. These people used the golden seal herb to treat numerous diseases prevalent in their tribe like digestive disorders, wounds, respiratory diseases, genito-urinary tract inflammations, dyspepsia, anorexia, diarrhea, fever, diarrhea, liver disease, upset stomach, allergies, and pneumonia. They also considered golden seal extract as a tonic for rejuvenation. It is also being used in combination with other root extracts for treatment of earaches and sore eyes.

It was in the early 1800s that the golden seal and its medicinal properties have been known to many parts of the world, thru the efforts of the herbalist Samuel Thompson. Thompson changed the name yellow root to Golden Root and its primary benefit is a natural antiseptic. Golden seal’s medicinal value started to spread in the whole of America and England and golden seal herbs became in demand in the American and European herbal markets. During the 1900s, Golden Seal was also used to treat upset stomach, skin inflammations, mucous membrane inflammations, colitis, peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, and gastritis. It was also used in patients with anorexia nervosa to promote appetite and achieve a desirable body weight. The anti-catarrhal ability of golden seal also catered for patients with upper respiratory tract and genito-urinary tract inflammations.

Today, even after Thompson’s medicinal system, golden seal is still one of the most sought after herbal products in the market. Golden seal is rich in nutrients beneficial to many health conditions. Golden seal vitamins and mineral include Vitamins A, B complex, C, E, calcium, iron and manganese. Its roots contain alkaloids such as hydrastine, l-hydrastine, canadine, canadaline, and berberine. These alkaloids constitute its anti-infective and immune boosting abilities.

Golden Seal Benefits

• Golden seal tincture and golden seal tea can be used as mouthwash and can treat mouth sores and sore throat.
• Golden seal promotes liver health as it stimulates bile secretion. This action also helps in promoting healthy metabolism.
• Golden seal can be used as an expectorant for cough and other respiratory conditions with mucous accumulation.
• Golden seal extract can also be used by people who are rehabilitating from illness for speedier recovery.
• The antibiotic property of golden seal is helpful for many infections caused by E.coli, Shigella dysenteri, salmonella, vibrio cholera, and giardia lamblia. Diarrhea, typhoid fever, shigellosis, cholera, and giardasis are among the common diseases caused by these parasites.
• Golden seal supplements are also helpful in patients with laryngitis, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, hepatitis, and alcohol-induced liver disease.

Golden Seal Side Effects

Excessive use of Golden seal can cause digestive disorders, irritation of the mucous membranes, nausea, and nervousness. Pregnant women should not take golden seal supplements as it may cause uterine contractions and may lead to pre-term labour. Those with liver disease and high blood pressure are not advised to take golden seal. Extreme caution is also advised to people with heart problems.