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Common Name: Goldenseal

General Information

Hydrastis canadensis is a long-lived, herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.
Hydrastis canadensis has undergone a decline in both its area of occupancy and the quality of its habitat. It is also threatened by over-harvesting of plants from the wild both for domestic and international medicinal use, and also by deer browsing. The species is conThe plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is poisonous[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Minnesota, Missouri and Kansas.

Habitat

Rich shady woods[, ] and moist areas on woodland edges[, ]. Mesic, deciduous forests, often on clay soils at elevations of 50 - 1200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Goldenseal is somewhat difficult of cultivation, it prefers a good rich moist loamy leafy soil in shade or partial shade[, , ]. Prefers a sandy, acid to neutral humus-rich soil[]. Grows best in a pH range from 6 to 7[].
Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[].
Goldenseal is grown commercially as a medicinal plant[], but it is not easy to establish the plants[, ]. Another report says that all goldenseal root that is used medicinally comes from wild plants[]. Since the plant is becoming increasingly rare in many parts of its range, it is probably wise to try and find alternatives to this species for medicinal use unless you can be sure that your supply comes from cultivated plants[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Goldenseal is a traditional medicine of the North American Indians and is still widely used in Western herbal medicine[, ]. In the Nineteenth century it acquired a reputation as a heal-all and was grossly over-collected from the wild and has become rare in the east of its range[, ]. It is now being cultivated on a small scale[]. It is especially valued in treating disorders of the digestive system and mucous membranes and is also extremely useful in the treatment of habitual constipation[, ]. See also the notes above on cultivation needs[].
The root is the active part of the plant, it is harvested in the autumn after the plant has died down and is dried for later use[, ]. It is said to be antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, laxative, stomachic, tonic[, , , , , ]. It is used mainly in the treatment of disorders affecting the ears, eyes, throat, nose, stomach, intestines and vagina[].
The root contains the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine[]. Berberine is antibacterial (effective against broad-spectrum bacteria and protozoa[]), it increases bile secretions, acts as an anticonvulsant, a mild sedative and lowers blood pressure[]. Use of this plant destroys beneficial intestinal organisms as well as pathogens, so it should only be prescribed for limited periods (a maximum of three months)[]. The plant should be used with caution, and not at all during pregnancy or by people with high blood pressure[, ].
An infusion of the root is used externally as a wash for skin diseases, vaginal infections, gum diseases etc[, ].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the whole plant[, , ]. It is obtained from the root[].

The pounded root is smeared on the body to act as an insect repellent[].

Propagation

Seed - sow autumn or early spring in a moist sandy loam in a shady part of the cold frame or greenhouse[]. The seed is slow to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for the first year or two. Plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are dormant.
Division of the roots in autumn[]. The roots can be divided into quite small pieces and can also be transplanted at almost any time of the year[]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.