Goldenseal is cultivated in Ontario, Oregon and Washington. Goldenseal was widely used by Native Americans. It's primary use was for the inflammation of mucous membranes, as an eye wash, as a dye for clothing, for wound healing, skin cancer, eczema, acne, indigestion, jaundice, bronchitis, pharyngitis and gonorrhea. Goldenseal is currently being used for dyspepsia, gastritis, colitis, bronchitis, skin disorders, acid indigestion, for infectious diarrhea and infections of the mucous membranes. It has alterative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, bitter tonic, hemostatic and astringent properties.
Goldenseal is found in health food stores in many forms.
The most popular ones are tinctures of the root, capsules of a standardized extract, or in combination with others herbs, especially echinacea. Goldenseal root can also be found in bulk, in teas, in fluid extracts and powdered root capsules. Some early evening sun is ok. Spade around the perimeter of the beds to avoid invasion of tree roots. Soil must be well drained, rich, humousy and moist.