Goldenseal — FarmPal

One of North America's most powerful antimicrobial herbs. Contains berberine a broad-spectrum compound effective against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Now endangered in the wild.

Scientific Name
Hydrastis canadensis
Growing Zones
Zones 3-8

Medicinal Properties

Antimicrobial (berberine)
Anti-inflammatory
Bitter digestive tonic
Immune stimulant (local)
Astringent

Parts Used

Root
Rhizome

Traditional Uses

  • •Sinus infections
  • •Digestive infections
  • •Eye infections (dilute wash)
  • •Mouth and gum disease
  • •Urinary tract infections
  • •Wound healing (topical)

Preparations

Tincture

Fill jar 1/3 with dried root, cover with 60% alcohol. 6-8 weeks.

Dosage: 20-40 drops, 3 times daily for acute infections. Short-term use only (2-3 weeks).

Eye Wash

Make weak tea (1/4 tsp root powder in 1 cup boiled water), strain through coffee filter twice. Cool.

Dosage: Use in eye cup for conjunctivitis must be sterile and well-strained

Mouth Rinse

Add 30 drops tincture to 2 oz warm water.

Dosage: Swish and spit for gum disease, mouth sores, sore throat

Harvesting Guide

Timing: Harvest roots in fall after 4-5 years. Grow your own never wild-harvest.

Method: Dig a portion of the rhizome, replant the rest. Plant is slow to establish.

Drying: Wash, slice thin, dry at low heat. Root should be bright yellow inside.

⚠️ Cautions

  • •CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IN THE WILD only use cultivated or substitute Oregon grape
  • •Short-term use only (2-3 weeks max) disrupts gut flora
  • •Not for use during pregnancy
  • •May interact with many medications (berberine)
  • •Very expensive Oregon grape is an excellent, sustainable alternative
Storage
Dried root 2-3 years. Tincture 5+ years. Bright yellow color indicates quality.