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Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

AntimicrobialGut

A North American root rich in berberine — used as a short-term antimicrobial for gut infections, mouth sores, and sinusitis. Overharvested in the wild.

EvidenceModerate

Moderate for acute infectious diarrhea (mostly via berberine content), topical antimicrobial use, sinusitis adjunct. Effects: days.

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Reference dose

500–1,000 mg root powder 3x daily, or 250–500 mg standardised extract 2x daily.

Choose a stack first, or enter your own amount here. Reference information is not a personal prescription.

Hydrastis canadensis is a forest root native to eastern North America, traditionally used by Cherokee and adopted into Western herbalism for infections. Its main alkaloid berberine is the same one in the berberine entry — but goldenseal also contains hydrastine and canadine, which add their own activity. Used mostly as a short-term antimicrobial for gut infections (SIBO, traveler's diarrhea adjunct), mouth sores, sinusitis, and skin issues. The plant is severely overharvested in the wild — only buy from sustainable cultivation sources.

Form
Goldenseal root extract standardised to alkaloid content. Goldenseal tincture.
Timing
With food.
Schedule
Short-term only (5–14 days during acute use). Not for chronic daily use — can disrupt gut flora and B-vitamin absorption.
Side effects
GI upset, mouth / throat irritation (if not encapsulated). Long-term use can reduce B-vitamin absorption.
Interactions
CYP3A4 substrates — goldenseal is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor (similar to grapefruit but stronger). Many drug interactions. Anticoagulants — mild additive. Cyclosporine, statins, calcium channel blockers — significant interactions.
Contraindications
Pregnancy (uterine stimulant, possible kernicterus in newborn). Newborn / infant. Severe hypertension. On any narrow-therapeutic-window medication without provider input.
Lab markers
Not standard.
Food sources
Not in everyday food.

Pairs with

Echinacea (classic traditional pairing for immune / infection). Berberine (similar mechanism). Oregon grape root (related berberine-rich herb).

Where to buy

Curated pick
Nature's Way Goldenseal Root
Standalone alternatives: Nature's Way Goldenseal Root, Gaia Herbs Goldenseal Root, NOW Goldenseal Root. For acute use only (2 weeks max) — disrupts gut flora at chronic doses. Berberine is often a cheaper, more-evidenced alternative for the antimicrobial uses.
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