Goldenseal is often found in conjunction with echinacea. When used together, these herbs are an excellent treatment for colds and flu.

Goldenseal contains two main alkaloids, hydrastine and berbine. Berbine, which accounts for up to 6% of the alkaloid present in goldenseal, acts as a wide spectrum antibiotic, effective against such diseases as chlamydia, salmonella, and E. coli.¹ It also appears effective in treating diarrhea and gastroenteritis.²

When goldenseal is not available or contraindicated, many herbalists suggest the use of Oregon Grape, which has many similar properties.

Wild Indigo, taken with Echinacea and Goldenseal, stimulates the immune system and helps it to fight influenza, although the contribution of goldenseal is unclear.³

Goldenseal also is effective in preventing bacteria from adhering to the wall of the bladder.⁴ This may help prevent urinary tract infections.

Useful in treatment of:
Urinary tract infections: the berberine in goldenseal may prevent bacterial adherence to the bladder wall, and may help resolve bladder infections.⁴

Wound infections: constituents of goldenseal have broad spectrum anitbacterial and antifungal activity, and may fight infection and speed wound healing.⁵

Influenza: the evidence of goldenseal’s benefit in fighting influenza is unclear, and it may be the echinacea that it is often combined with that offers the most benefit. It may also have a soothing effect on inflamedmucous membranes.

Recommended Dosage: 4 to 6 grams extract daily.

Contraindications: Goldenseal should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women. Digestive upset and nervousness can occur at higher doses.

References:
¹Hahn FE, Ciak J. Berberine. Antibiotics 1976;3:577–88.
²Bhakat MP, Naudi N, et al. Therapeutic trial of berberine sulfate in non-specific gastroenteritis. Ind Med J 1974;68:19–23.
³Beuscher N, Kopanski L. Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria. Planta Med 1985;5:381–84.
⁴Sun DX, Abraham SN, Beachey EH. Influence of berberine sulfate on synthesis and expression of pap fimbrial adhesin in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Antimicr Agents Chemother 1988; 32:1274–7.
⁵Bensky D and Gamble H. Chinese herbal medicine: Materia medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, 1986.