Type of medicine: natural remedy
Scientific and common names: Hydrastis canadensis, eye balm, eye root, goldenseal, ground raspberry, indian dye, jaundice root, orange root, turmeric root, indian turmeric, indian plant, yellow indian paint, yellow puccoon, yellow root, hydrastis, goldenroot, goldsiegel
Goldenseal is a small plant with a single hairy stem. It has jagged leaves, small flowers, and raspberrylike fruit. The root is used medicinally.
This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.
Goldenseal has been taken by mouth to treat:
It may be used with echinacea to treat colds and the flu.
Goldenseal has been used on the skin to treat:
Goldenseal can be taken by mouth as capsules, pills, tinctures, or teas. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.
Goldenseal can be put on the skin as a poultice, cream, powder, ointment, or lotion. Do not use goldenseal on your skin for longer than 2 weeks.
Do not take goldenseal for longer than 2 weeks. Do not take higher dosages than recommended.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Do not use goldenseal if you have:
Goldenseal can be poisonous if you use too much. Taking too much goldenseal may interfere with your body's ability to process B vitamins. Very high dosages can lead to vomiting, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, high blood pressure, convulsions, and death.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:
Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: Long term usage can lead to seizures, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, stomach problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't really there), depression, heart damage, low blood pressure, paralysis.
Other: Diarrhea; stomach upset; irritation to the throat, skin, mouth and vagina; nausea; vomiting; rash; nervousness; depression.
When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.
This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.