Goldenseal

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Hydrastis canadensis
• Chinese Goldenseal
• Eye Balm
• Eye Root
• Eyebalm
• Eyeroot
• Fard Inolien
• Framboise de Terre
• Golden Root
• Goldenroot
• Goldenseal
• Goldsiegel
• Ground Raspberry
• Hydraste
• Hydraste du Canada
• Hydrastis Canadensis
• Indian Dye
• Indian Plant
• Indian Turmeric
• Jaundice Root
• Orange Root
• Orangeroot
• Puccoon
• Racine Orange
• Racine à la Jaunisse
• Radix Hydrastis
• Sceau D'or
• Sello de Oro
• Turmeric Root
• Warnera
• Wild Curcuma
• Yellow Indian Paint
• Yellow Paint
• Yellow Puccoon
• Yellow Root
• Yellowroot

What is this product used for?

Goldenseal has been used by some people for certain types of infections and inflammation. No information from medical studies support the use of goldenseal for any health problem.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests and some drugs. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

• Do not use this product in newborn infants. It can cause serious liver problems.

• Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Diabetes

  • Heart problems

  • Liver problems

  • High blood pressure

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Nervousness

• Low mood

Related/similar drugs

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal pain or itching.

• Signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.

• Signs of low blood sugar. These include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad belly pain

• Very bad loose stools

• Seizures

• Not able to move your arms or legs

Last Reviewed Date

2022-04-01

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer