Herb. No. 026 · Ranunculaceae
Eastern North American woodland. Wild stands are conservation-sensitive.
Native · North America
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
Regulated or restrictedHarvest
A threatened woodland root, bitter and berberine-yellow — not an everyday immune tonic.
At-risk wild plant (CITES / United Plant Savers). Buy cultivated root only.
Goldenseal was overharvested for a myth that it 'masks drug tests' (it does not) and for every winter cold. Berberine is a real antimicrobial alkaloid, but the plant is too rare to waste, and berberine is now available from abundant species (Oregon grape, barberry). If you use it, it should be cultivated, short-term, and for a reason.
Flavor
Shockingly bitter and yellowing — berberine on the tongue.
Parts used
Root and rhizome (cultivated only)
In favor
- Potent bitter
- Can be woodland-farmed under hardwoods
Against
- Conservation concern
- Berberine displaces bilirubin — not for newborns or late pregnancy
- Not a daily tonic