Herbs - Goldenseal

 

Goldenseal, Powdered

Latin Name: Hydrastis canadensis

Family: Ranunculaceae

 
Description

Goldenseal is quickly becoming an endangered species and is now rare in its native eastern woodland environment. Wildcrafted and difficult to domesticate, this natural antibiotic is now skyrocketing in price. As costs increase, a number of suppliers are adding yellow dock to their goldenseal products to reduce costs -- be wary. To counter the precipitous global decline, there is currently a massive effort underway to save this species.

As the availability of goldenseal dwindles, many herbalists recommend using Oregon grape root and other herbs containing berberine, the main active ingredient. Other alternatives include Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) and Barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

There is some debate as to whether the active ingredient passes from the digestive tract in significantly medicinal amounts.

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