Is Golden Seal Safe?

Goldenseal might

be safe for most adults when taken by mouth

in the short term. There is not enough reliable information to know if goldenseal is safe for long-term use. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use goldenseal, and it should not be given to infants.

Is Golden Seal toxic?

Goldenseal is no exception.

Taking high doses can be toxic to your system

and cause vomiting as your body reacts to the toxic qualities.

Is goldenseal bad for liver?

Berberine, a chemical in goldenseal, may

keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough

. This can cause brain problems, especially in infants with high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

What can goldenseal cure?

Goldenseal is applied to the skin for

rashes, ulcers, wound infections, itching, eczema, acne, dandruff, ringworm, herpes blisters, and cold sores

. It is used as a mouthwash for sore gums and mouth. Some people use goldenseal as an eyewash for eye inflammation and eye infections called conjunctivitis, or “pink eye.”

What are the side effects of taking goldenseal?

• Cardiac damage.
• Death.
• Depression.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Nervousness.
• Paralysis.
• Respiratory failure.

Is goldenseal the same as turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant, not to be confused with turmeric root, which is a colloquial name for

Goldenseal

, a member of the buttercup family. On its own, Goldenseal has many healing properties, but is can be toxic if overused, whereas turmeric has very few adverse effects.

How often should you take goldenseal?

Goldenseal root should only be used for short periods of time. Goldenseal root extract, in capsule or tablet form, is typically taken in amounts of

4 to 6 grams three times per day

. Using goldenseal powder as a tea or tincture may soothe a sore throat.

What happens if you take too much echinacea?

Echinacea can cause minor side effects. These can include an

upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness

. Serious side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It can also worsen asthma symptoms.

What does golden seal root look like?

Goldenseal is a herbaceous perennial which emerges in early spring (mid-March to early May) from buds that overwinter on the perennial rootstock. The root system is composed of

a bright yellow, horizontal rhizome

,

¹

⁄

₂

to

³

⁄

₄

of an inch thick, marked by cup-like depressions where the annual stem falls away.

Where does golden seal come from?

Hydrastis canadensis L., a member of the Ranunculaceae family, is native to

North America with a natural range from southern Quebec to northern Georgia and west to Missouri

. Goldenseal is an herbaceous perennial and can be found growing naturally in rich, densely shaded, deciduous forests.

Can berberine cause liver damage?

Dose dependent effects of berberine and sanguinarine. Sub-chronic toxicity of berberine has reported to damages lung and liver by

increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

, significantly (Ning et al., 2015).

What happens if you take too much berberine?

Berberine has a

high risk of interfering with drugs

, and some of these reactions may be severe. When high doses are used, gastrointestinal upset may occur, and because of its ability to lower blood sugar, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Is goldenseal good for acid reflux?

Goldenseal root

soothes the digestive system and helps lower the levels of acid

, so that acid reflux and heartburn occur less often. Taking it after the heartburn begins helps provide relief. Goldenseal in low amounts is safe to take to support digestion.

Is goldenseal a natural antibiotic?

ANTIBIOTIC OR IMMUNE BOOSTER

Today, goldenseal is sold to help with digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and to kill bacteria. It is

considered a natural antibiotic

and is often combined with echinacea and promoted as strengthening the immune system.

What is the difference between goldenseal and goldenseal root?

The scientific name for goldenseal is Hydrastis Canadensis L. Another name for goldenseal is yellow root. Goldenseal gets its name from

its yellow and brown roots

. The rest of the plant consists of small flowers, jagged 5-lobed leaves, and a small berry.

Where is goldenseal naturally?

Goldenseal is widespread through

eastern North America

, ranging from Vermont south to Georgia, and west to Alabama, Arkansas, and Minnesota. The plant was very common in the Ohio River valley; however, over-collection for the herbal industry has reduced many native populations.