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Goldenseal Root Review – 8 Things You Need to Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Facts | What's Inside? | Pros & Cons | Warnings | Cost | How To Take | Bottom Line

Goldenseal Root is a traditional Native American herbal remedy, manufactured by Nature’s Way, mainly advertised as a natural antibiotic for treating bacterial infections.

Nature’s Way is a popular brand, trusted all over the world. It was founded in 1969 in Utah, United States and ever since it has grown on the market. Their remedies are natural herbal formulas that are covering a large variety of health concerns. Their products are being sold almost everywhere online, in herbal stores or pharmacies.

Goldenseal is available in many forms, such as: nutritional supplement form, tincture, tea, ointment for healing wounds, and cream. The root is commonly used for treating upper respiratory infections and common cold. Also, it may be used for digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation and colitis. Other uses are for PMS syndrome, vaginal swelling or pain, and after childbirth bleeding. It also has external uses. It can be applied directly on the skin to heal wounds, for acne, herpes, eczema and certain types of rashes and itches. Some people use it directly in the years for earache, deafness and even for ringing or directly in the eyes for infections and inflammations, such as pink eye or conjunctivitis.

Goldenseal Root is a powerful weapon against a wide spectrum of infections, helping us to prevent dangerous diseases.

Facts

1) Goldenseal Root Quick Facts

A bottle of Goldenseal Root contains 50 capsules of 570 mg each. The manufacturer recommends for a regular use 1 capsule twice a day, taken during mealtime. For best results, a continuous use for at least one week is highly advised. For intensive use, you should consult your doctor for prescribing the correct doses.

The root has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, being very efficient in treating bacterial infections. The active ingredients are berberine and hydrastine, 2 alkaloids that makes Goldenseal such a powerful weapon. According to a study, berberine may be used in treating arrhythmias and heart failure. It has the power to fight against parasites, yeast and bacteria. Unfortunately, these destructive infective agents are present almost everywhere.

This remedy is not recommended for pregnant or lactating woman or for people who are suffering from kidney disease. The newborns exposed to Goldenseal might develop brain damage and liver problems. You must be extra careful, because it may interact with other drugs. The overdose is toxic and it might lead to stomach ulcerations, slowed heart rate, nervousness, hallucinations, and seizures. There are also some minor effects regarding normal use of the root, such as drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, and headaches.

What’s Inside?

2) What’s Inside Goldenseal Root?

Goldenseal Root contains the following ingredients: Goldenseal root, gelatin capsule and magnesium stearate.

3) What Does Goldenseal Root Do?

The plant contains a multitude of nutrients and minerals, such as calcium, manganese, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and B complex. The main active compound is berberine, an alkaloid that confers Goldenseal antifungal, antibacterial, astringent, antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory properties. There are a few clinical studies that are attesting the efficiency of berberine against food poisoning, cholera, giardiasis and diarrhea caused by E. coli, commonly known as traveler’s diarrhea. Externally, it may be used against gum infections and sore throats.

The overall formula has been shown to successfully treat common cold and flu. Other significant results have been obtained in case of allergic rhinitis, cystitis, sinusitis and other upper respiratory infections. It is good for reducing inflammation and killing all kind of germs and bacteria. It may also work as a general detoxifier of the body.

The manufacturer recommends not to be used by pregnant or breast feeding woman because the child is in danger of developing lung disease or brain damage. It is also strongly advised that patients with kidney disease should not use this product. Other side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and possible allergies. It may also interfere with blood pressure levels, so you should ask your healthcare provider before starting the treatment.

There are online testimonials about Goldenseal Root. What it has been reported includes:

  • it is an immune system enhancer

  • it acts as a natural antibiotic

  • it is excellent for preventing and treating common cold and flu

  • it is a good remedy for certain types of infections

Pros & Cons

4) Goldenseal Root: Pros and Cons

  • It is a natural antibiotic and an immune system enhancer.
  • It has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It has a wide range of benefits, which are covering many health concerns.
  • There are many positive reviews available online attesting the efficiency of the product.
  • It is an affordable formula that can be bought from many places, including online.

Warnings

5) Goldenseal Root Product Warnings

  • It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women or for people that have kidney disease.
  • The manufacturer does not provide a free trial offer by default.
  • There are no testimonials or detailed information about the product available on their official website.
  • There is no possibility of ordering the product online directly from the manufacturer.

Cost

6) How Much Does Goldenseal Root Cost?

One bottle of this formula has 50 capsules containing 570 mg goldenseal root. For a regular use, it is recommended to follow the treatment continuously for at least one week, taking 1 capsule twice daily, preferably during meals. If you are using it to prevent a cold, one bottle should be enough for at least 2 episodes of cold or flu. This makes Goldenseal Root an affordable supplement.

The manufacturer does not provide a free trial offer. You cannot order this product directly from their website, but there are always alternatives such as pharmacies, herbal stores or other websites. You can find a good offer at low shipping costs.

How To Take

7) How to Take Goldenseal Root

You should consult a professional healthcare before starting the administration of Goldenseal Root.

Bottom Line

8) The Bottom Line – “Does it Work?”

There are many testimonials available about Goldenseal Root, most of them being positive. People all over the world are using Nature’s Way products with trust.

The product may be used especially for treating common cold and it represents a good alternative for the treatment of respiratory infection. The American Cancer Society claims that it may be used for menstrual pains, ringing in the ear, colitis, tuberculosis and for the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Goldenseal Root is one of the most popular herbs sold on the market, mainly advertised as an immune system enhancer and a powerful herbal antibiotic.

4/5 - (1 vote)
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Julia

I am using Goldenseal Root each time I feel threatened by a cold or flu. I take it about ten days and I avoid being sick. I am an energetic person and I hate to stay home in bed, so I like to prevent this. For me it worked!