Special Reports
Golden Seal for winter defence

This valuable herb has a long-standing reputation for treating bacterial infections, relieving nasal congestion, soothing inflamed mucous membranes and boosting the immune system.

The herb
Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a hardy perennial that is native to the woodlands in North America. It grows to about 30 cm high and consists of a single straight stem, hairy leaves and small white flowers. It also bears a raspberry-like red berry with up to 30 seeds every summer. As the name suggests, the bright yellow root system below the ground is the part of the plant that is used. This thick, knotty rhizome grows horizontally and is covered with yellow fibrous roots.

Due to popular demand, Golden Seal quickly became over-harvested and, by 1997, was listed among the top ten endangered species of wild fauna and flora for international trade. Despite cultivation for commercial use, it is still often in short supply as it needs optimal forest growing conditions. It also takes between five and seven years to grow harvestable roots from seed and between three and five years to propagate from rootstock. 

Traditional use
By the time European settlers arrived to America, Native American tribes were frequently using Golden Seal for medicinal purposes and as a colouring agent. The Cherokee Indians prepared it as a topical wash to treat eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis, and used it internally for stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Golden Seal was also used to dye their clothes and weapons.

It wasn’t long before the early American pioneers came to value the benefits of this herb. In Western herbal medicine, Golden Seal has traditionally been used to treat a variety of conditions. These include bacterial infection of the sinuses, nose, throat, gums, skin, eye, ear and bladder; as a mucous membrane tonic for the respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tracts; as a decongestant helping dry up excess mucus and catarrh; and as a bitter tonic, promoting digestion by stimulating gastric juices and encouraging appetite.

Herbal actions
Golden Seal is considered to have anticatarrhal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent activity, and to provide support for the digestive and immune systems. These actions are due to the natural content of the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine. Berberine is what gives the plant its vibrant gold colour.

Golden Seal is available as a powder, tincture, capsule or liquid extract. Because it has a bitter taste, it’s best to take it in capsule form. The recommended dosage for adults is two capsules twice a day with meals; this may vary so always seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner beforehand.
 
Other health benefits
As well as being used to relieve catarrhal symptoms of the common cold, Golden Seal may assist urinary tract infections, and digestive upset. Topically, Golden Seal is often used as an ointment to treat itches and rashes that are fungal-related. It can also be used topically to treat burns and minor cuts and scrapes. As a gargle, Golden Seal is useful to help manage mouth ulcers and gingivitis.
 
Caution
Golden Seal is not a preventative herb, so should only be taken if you have a current bacterial infection or persistent mucous membrane inflammation. Do not take it in large quantities or use long-term, unless recommended by your health care practitioner. Avoid using Golden Seal if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffer from low or high blood pressure. 

Because demand is high and supplies are low, Golden Seal is not an inexpensive herb. For this reason, it is important that you choose quality products from reputable manufacturers.