Goldenseal and echinacea benefits. Goldenseal and Echinacea: Powerful Herbal Remedies for Natural Healing

02.08.202304.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the benefits of goldenseal and echinacea. How do these herbs work together to boost immunity. What are the recommended dosages and potential side effects. Discover the natural healing power of goldenseal and echinacea in this comprehensive guide.

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The Origins and Traditional Uses of Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial plant native to eastern North America that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its roots and leaves have long been valued for their potential to treat various ailments, particularly those involving infections or inflammation. Today, goldenseal has become one of the most popular herbal remedies worldwide, available in various forms such as teas, herbal extracts, and capsules.

What makes goldenseal so potent? The herb is naturally rich in alkaloid compounds, with berberine, hydrastine, and canadine being the most concentrated. These alkaloids are believed to be responsible for goldenseal’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which form the basis of its purported health benefits.

Common Uses of Goldenseal in Modern Herbal Medicine

Treatment of colds and hay fever
Alleviation of digestive problems
Soothing of sore gums
Management of skin problems
Inclusion in various over-the-counter remedies

How versatile is goldenseal in modern applications? The herb is frequently added to a wide range of products, including ear drops, feminine hygiene products, eyewash formulations, cold and flu remedies, allergy relief products, laxatives, and digestive aids. This widespread use underscores its perceived effectiveness in addressing various health concerns.

The Potential Health Benefits of Goldenseal

While goldenseal is praised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s important to note that research supporting its benefits is limited and generally weak. However, some potential benefits have garnered more scientific backing than others. Let’s explore these in detail.

Goldenseal for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Can goldenseal effectively combat colds and other upper respiratory tract infections? While it’s a popular natural treatment for these conditions, the scientific evidence is not conclusive. Cell and animal studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses, including the common cold virus. However, these studies typically use larger amounts of berberine than what’s found in goldenseal supplements, and the absorption of berberine from goldenseal may be lower than that of concentrated berberine supplements.

More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of goldenseal against upper respiratory tract infections in humans. Until then, its use for this purpose remains largely based on traditional practices and anecdotal evidence.

Goldenseal and Echinacea: A Powerful Combination?

Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in over-the-counter herbal cold and flu remedies. Echinacea, another plant native to North America, is traditionally used to treat infections, including the common cold. While some studies suggest that echinacea may lower the risk of respiratory infections, the evidence is mixed.

Is there an added benefit to combining goldenseal and echinacea? Currently, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that combining these two herbs offers any benefits beyond those associated with taking each on their own. More research is needed to explore potential synergistic effects between goldenseal and echinacea.

Debunking Myths: Goldenseal for Detoxing and Drug Tests

Some people believe that goldenseal can help detoxify the body from toxins and harmful substances. However, there is very little evidence to support this claim. In fact, research suggests that goldenseal may actually slow down the detox process by reducing the activity of certain liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs.

Can goldenseal help you pass a drug test? This is a common misconception. While there’s evidence that goldenseal may help your body eliminate certain drugs more quickly through urine, newer drug testing methods can now detect the use of goldenseal in urine samples. This significantly reduces the likelihood of a false negative result on a drug test.

It’s important to remember that your body is naturally designed to detoxify itself through the liver and elimination processes. The role of goldenseal in detoxification, if any, requires further scientific investigation.

Goldenseal’s Potential in Fighting Urinary Tract and Yeast Infections

Goldenseal is commonly used as a herbal remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections. But does science support this use? Cell studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may protect your body against various bacteria and fungi.

Goldenseal and Urinary Tract Infections

How might goldenseal help with UTIs? Berberine may prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of your bladder, potentially preventing or helping treat a UTI. This mechanism of action is promising, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Goldenseal and Yeast Infections

Can goldenseal combat yeast infections? Berberine is believed to inhibit the excessive multiplication of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present in the human body. When Candida overgrows, it can lead to vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and other fungal infections. By keeping Candida growth in check, goldenseal may help prevent or manage these conditions.

While these potential benefits are intriguing, it’s crucial to note that most of the evidence comes from laboratory studies. More clinical trials are needed to establish goldenseal’s effectiveness in treating UTIs and yeast infections in humans.

Dosage and Administration of Goldenseal

When it comes to using goldenseal, it’s important to understand proper dosage and administration. However, it’s worth noting that there is no standardized dosage for goldenseal, as it can vary depending on the form of the supplement and the specific health condition being addressed.

Common Forms of Goldenseal Supplements

Dried root powder
Liquid extracts
Tinctures
Capsules or tablets

What are typical dosage recommendations for goldenseal? While these can vary, here are some general guidelines:

Dried root: 0.5-1 gram, taken up to three times daily
Liquid extract (1:1): 0.3-1 mL, taken up to three times daily
Tincture (1:5): 1.5-3 mL, taken up to three times daily

It’s crucial to follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and any other medications you may be taking.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions of Goldenseal Use

While goldenseal is generally considered safe when used appropriately, it can cause side effects in some people. Understanding these potential risks is crucial for safe usage.

Common Side Effects of Goldenseal

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin irritation (when applied topically)
Increased sensitivity to light
Possible liver damage (with long-term use or high doses)

Who should avoid using goldenseal? The herb is not recommended for certain groups of people, including:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Infants and young children
People with heart conditions
Individuals with liver or kidney disease

Can goldenseal interact with medications? Yes, goldenseal can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s particularly important to be cautious if you’re taking:

Blood thinners
Diabetes medications
Certain antibiotics
Medications metabolized by the liver

Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding goldenseal to your regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications or have pre-existing health conditions.

Echinacea: A Complementary Herb to Goldenseal

Echinacea is often combined with goldenseal in herbal remedies, particularly for immune support. But what makes echinacea a popular choice in its own right?

The Potential Benefits of Echinacea

Echinacea is primarily known for its potential to boost the immune system and help fight off infections. Some studies suggest it may:

Reduce the risk of catching a cold
Shorten the duration of cold symptoms
Alleviate upper respiratory infections
Provide anti-inflammatory effects

How does echinacea work? The herb is believed to stimulate the activity of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections. It also contains compounds that may have direct antiviral and antibacterial effects.

While some studies support these benefits, it’s important to note that the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand echinacea’s effectiveness.

Combining Goldenseal and Echinacea

Why are goldenseal and echinacea often combined? The rationale behind this combination is that both herbs may support immune function through different mechanisms. While goldenseal is praised for its antibacterial properties, echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system more broadly.

However, it’s crucial to understand that there’s currently no scientific evidence demonstrating that the combination of goldenseal and echinacea is more effective than using either herb alone. More research is needed to explore potential synergistic effects between these two popular herbs.

The Future of Goldenseal and Echinacea Research

As interest in natural remedies continues to grow, so does the need for robust scientific research on herbs like goldenseal and echinacea. What areas of research are scientists focusing on?

Ongoing Areas of Investigation

Efficacy of goldenseal against specific bacterial and viral strains
Potential synergistic effects when goldenseal is combined with other herbs
Long-term safety and optimal dosing strategies for goldenseal
Mechanisms of action for echinacea’s immune-boosting properties
Comparative effectiveness of different echinacea species and preparations

What challenges do researchers face in studying these herbs? One major hurdle is the variability in herbal preparations. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the active compounds in herbs can vary based on growing conditions, harvesting methods, and processing techniques. This makes it difficult to standardize research protocols and compare results across studies.

Despite these challenges, ongoing research holds promise for uncovering new potential benefits and applications for goldenseal and echinacea. As our understanding of these herbs grows, we may see more targeted and effective uses in complementary and alternative medicine.

In conclusion, while goldenseal and echinacea have a long history of traditional use and show promise in various areas of health, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits, optimal usage, and potential risks. As with any herbal supplement, it’s crucial to approach their use with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial plant native to eastern North America (1).

Its roots and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, especially those involving infections or inflammation (1).

Today goldenseal ranks amongst the most popular herbal remedies worldwide. Teas, herbal extracts, or capsules sourced from this plant are used to treat colds, hay fever, digestive problems, sore gums, and skin problems (2, 3, 4).

Goldenseal is also added to various over-the-counter remedies, such as ear drops, feminine hygiene products, eyewash formulations, cold and flu remedies, allergy relief products, laxatives, and digestive aids (1, 4).

The herb is naturally rich in a class of alkaloid compounds, with berberine, hydrastine, and canadine being found in the highest concentrations.

These alkaloids are linked to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and believed to be the main reason behind goldenseal’s purported health benefits (1).

Goldenseal is praised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often taken to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections and the common cold (3, 5).

It’s also used to treat skin disorders, lack of appetite, heavy or painful periods, sinus infections, indigestion, and other inflammatory or digestive disorders (1).

However, research supporting its benefits is limited and generally weak. The benefits with the most scientific backing are outlined below.

Colds and other upper respiratory tract infections

Goldenseal is a popular natural treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold (6).

Cell and animal studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses. This includes the virus responsible for the common cold (7, 8, 9, 10, 11).

However, despite goldenseal’s inclusion in many cold remedies, it’s unclear whether the effects observed in animals apply to humans.

The amount of berberine used in these animal studies is generally larger than the amount found in goldenseal supplements. In addition, the absorption of berberine from goldenseal may be lower than that of concentrated berberine supplements (4, 6).

Therefore, more research is needed to determine which effect, if any, goldenseal has against upper respiratory tract infections in humans.

Combined with echinacea

Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in over-the-counter herbal cold and flu remedies (4, 12).

Echinacea is a plant that’s also native to North America and traditionally used to treat infections, including the common cold (12).

Although some studies suggest that echinacea may lower the risk of respiratory infections, not all agree (13, 14).

Currently, there’s no evidence to suggest that combining goldenseal with echinacea offers any benefits beyond those associated with taking each on their own.

Detoxing or passing a drug test

Some believe that goldenseal can help your body detox from toxins and harmful substances. Yet, very little evidence exists to support this claim.

Your body is naturally designed to detoxify itself. It does so by converting toxic compounds into harmless substances in your liver or making sure they’re eliminated from your body through urine and sweat (15, 16).

Research suggests that goldenseal may reduce the activity of certain liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs. As such, this herbal supplement may slow the detox process rather than promote it (1, 17).

However, there’s also evidence that goldenseal may help your body get rid of certain drugs more quickly through the urine. Because of this, some believe goldenseal may help hide the use of illegal drugs to pass a drug test (1).

Keep in mind that newer drug testing methods are now able to detect the use of goldenseal in urine samples, reducing the likelihood of a false negative result on a drug test (17).

While goldenseal’s detoxifying potential may depend on the type of toxin or harmful substance at hand, more studies are needed to confirm this.

Urinary tract and yeast infections

Goldenseal is a common herbal remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.

Cell studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may protect your body against various bacteria and fungi (18, 19, 20, 21).

For instance, berberine may stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder, potentially preventing or helping treat a UTI (22).

Berberine is also believed to keep Candida albicans, a fungus that’s naturally present in the human body, from multiplying in excess (23).

When present in normal numbers, Candida poses no health issues. However, when present in excessive amounts, this fungus can cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, skin rashes, and UTIs (24, 25).

In one study, people with recurrent UTIs given a mix of herbal extracts containing berberine were less likely to experience another UTI than those given no berberine (26).

Although the results from this study seem promising, no human studies have directly examined the effect of goldenseal on UTIs or yeast infections to date. Therefore, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Chlamydia or herpes

Chlamydia and herpes are some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world (27, 28).

When left untreated, chlamydia can cause various complications, including infertility. Moreover, babies born vaginally to mothers with chlamydia have a higher risk of pneumonia and vision problems (28).

Herpes is a viral infection that causes watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, or genitalia. It can be transmitted through oral or sexual contact (28).

A handful of older studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help treat herpes and chlamydia infections.

For instance, some of these studies suggest that vaginal chlamydia infections may be treated with berberine-containing douches, vaginal suppositories, or various types of oral goldenseal supplements (29).

They also propose that berberine-containing plants may help prevent the herpes virus from replicating. One particular study observed that goldenseal mixed with myrrh and thyme helped treat oral herpes (30, 31).

That said, few of these studies looked at the direct effects of goldenseal in humans, and no recent research can be found to support these older findings. Therefore, more research is needed.

Acne and psoriasis

Berberine-containing plants like goldenseal may benefit your skin.

Older test-tube studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight P. acnes, the bacterium responsible for acne (32).

In addition, animal research suggests that berberine’s anti-inflammatory effects may help treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis (33).

However, research on this topic is limited and not specific to goldenseal. Therefore, more research is needed.

Oral health

Goldenseal may help protect against tooth infections.

One study suggests that an herbal mouth rinse containing various herbs and goldenseal reduced the growth of bacteria responsible for dental plaque and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease (31).

Another study suggests that using goldenseal as a toothpaste or mouthwash may help soothe inflamed gums (34).

Still, research is limited, and more studies are needed to confirm these proposed oral health benefits of goldenseal.

Digestion

A few test-tube studies suggest that goldenseal extracts may fight H. pylori, a bacterium that can infect the lining of your stomach and has been linked to the appearance of stomach ulcers (35, 36).

Goldenseal extracts also appear effective against the C. jejuni bacterium, which is a main cause of gastroenteritis (37).

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes diarrhea and vomiting. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infections with C. jejuni are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (38).

Berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, is thought to be largely responsible for this plant’s potential ability to protect against H. pylori and C. jejuni (39, 40).

Yet, no studies have observed these effects directly in humans. Therefore, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Labor

Animal studies suggest that the berberine in goldenseal may induce labor by stimulating the uterus to contract (41).

However, goldenseal and other berberine-containing plants may not be safe to use during pregnancy for several reasons.

First, berberine administration in rats caused lower weight in both mothers and babies. In addition, berberine is believed to cause or worsen jaundice in newborns, which — in a low number of cases — may cause brain damage (4, 41, 42).

As such, women are advised to avoid goldenseal during pregnancy.

Cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Studies in mice and hamsters suggest that the berberine in goldenseal may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels (43, 44).

A recent review of 12 studies found similar results in humans. The authors concluded that berberine may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 20–55 mg/dL (45).

Although these results seem promising, there’s currently no scientific proof that goldenseal produces the same effects.

Therefore, more research is needed to determine whether goldenseal has any cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering effects in humans.

Diabetes

Goldenseal may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

Studies suggest that berberine, one of the main compounds in goldenseal, may reduce sugar absorption from the gut, lower insulin resistance, and promote insulin secretion — all of which are factors that may help lower blood sugar levels (46).

Research further suggests that the blood-sugar-lowering effects of berberine may be as effective as those of metformin, a common antidiabetic medication (46).

Moreover, the combination of berberine with blood-sugar-lowering medication appears to be more effective than taking blood-sugar-lowering medications on their own (47).

However, although the benefits of berberine appear promising, it’s unclear whether the amount of berberine in goldenseal is sufficient to produce the same effects. Therefore, more goldenseal-specific studies are needed.

Goldenseal is considered safe when consumed for short periods at the typically recommended dosages.

Side effects are rare but may include nausea, vomiting, and reduced liver function (42, 48, 49).

That said, research on this herbal supplement’s safety is very limited. In addition, short-term use is poorly defined, and little is known about the safety of long-term use or high dosages (1, 42).

Moreover, due to its high cost, some products claiming to contain goldenseal may not contain any amount of this plant or very little of it.

For instance, some products replace goldenseal with Chinese goldthread, Oregon grape root, barberry, yellow root, or Chinese goldenseal — all of which contain berberine but no hydrastine or canadine (50).

Therefore, these herbs may have different side effects and drug interactions than those associated with goldenseal (42).

People wishing to try goldenseal should carefully read a supplement’s ingredient label to ensure that it truly contains goldenseal before purchasing the product.

Goldenseal supplements are available in a wide range of forms, including capsules, lotions, drops, sprays, eyewashes, and feminine hygiene products. They’re currently consumed in various dosages, and little research exists on which dosage is best (1).

Dried root supplements tend to be taken in a dosage ranging from 0.5–10 grams three times a day, whereas alcoholic tinctures and liquid extracts are typically taken in dosages of 0.3–10-mL dosages three times a day (1).

Goldenseal can also be consumed as a tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water for about 15 minutes.

That said, no studies can currently confirm whether these dosages are the most beneficial ones.

At this time, it’s unclear what dosage of goldenseal would cause an overdose — and what the effects of this overdose may be.

Over-the-counter goldenseal preparations tend to be available in doses ranging from 100–470 mg, and most people seem to take goldenseal in doses of 0.5–10 grams or 0.3–10 mL three times a day (1).

These dosages appear to be generally safe, but little is known about the potential effects of larger doses (1).

When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider or local poison control helpline.

Studies suggest that goldenseal may slow the activity of liver enzymes that are responsible for eliminating certain medications, including antidepressants.

This may cause these medications to remain in your body for longer than expected, possibly allowing them to reach toxic levels (41, 42, 49, 51).

People currently taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting to take goldenseal.

Little scientific guidance can be found regarding the optimal handling and storage of goldenseal supplements.

Goldenseal supplements are available in a wide range of forms, including dried herbs, lotions, and liquid extracts, among others.

As such, storage, handling, and expiration dates are likely to vary.

For best results, follow the storage and handling recommendations outlined on your product’s packaging and make sure to discard products that have passed their expiration date.

There’s currently little to no research regarding the safety of goldenseal use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Animal studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, is linked to lower weight in both mothers and babies. Berberine may also cause the uterus to contract, possibly increasing the risk of preterm birth (41).

According to animal research, berberine may also cause or worsen jaundice in newborns, possibly causing brain damage (4, 41, 42).

It’s currently unknown whether berberine can pass from mother to baby through breastmilk (52).

Based on this limited evidence, women are discouraged from consuming goldenseal while pregnant or breastfeeding.

At one point, goldenseal ranked amongst the top 20 most popular herbal remedies worldwide and the 6th most commonly used herbal preparation by children under 18 years of age (2).

However, little is known about its effects in children, other than that it may cause or worsen jaundice in newborns. Therefore, experts generally do not advise giving goldenseal to infants and young children (42).

Animal studies suggest that berberine-containing supplements like goldenseal may result in lower birth weight and cause the uterus to contract, potentially increasing the risk of preterm birth (41).

Moreover, little is known about the safety of goldenseal while breastfeeding. As such, it’s recommended that women avoid taking this herbal supplement during pregnancy or while nursing (52).

Finally, goldenseal may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants. Therefore, people currently taking any type of medication should consult their healthcare provider before taking goldenseal (42, 49, 51).

Most of goldenseal’s purported health effects are attributed to its active compounds berberine, hydrastine, and canadine.

Therefore, other berberine-, hydrastine-, or canadine-containing herbs or purified supplements may exert effects similar to those of goldenseal.

Research on the health benefits of purified berberine supplements is generally stronger than research regarding the benefits of goldenseal (53).

Berberine may be more easily absorbed into the body when taken alone compared with when ingested along with other compounds, as would be the case when taking goldenseal (4).

However, berberine supplements contain little to no hydrastine and canadine. Therefore, they may be expected to have effects and side effects that are different than those of goldenseal.

Berberine-containing herbs, such as Chinese goldthread, barberry, yellow root, and Oregon grape, are sometimes used as an alternative to goldenseal. However, these herbs typically contain little to no hydrastine or canadine (50).

Therefore, they may have different effects when compared with goldenseal, as well as side effects and herb-drug interactions of their own (42).