The secondary qualities are decongesting, astringing, restoring, stimulating and stabilizing movement. The organism is fluid, Tri dosa increases Vayu, while decreasing Kapha and Pitta. Shown to the first settlers of North America by the natives, this herb has been used as a stomach tonic specific to controlling the mucous membranes. It was also used for sore eyes and for general ulceration. It was also considered a major remedy for various forms of catarrh.
Specific uses are dyspepsia, gastric catarrh, loss of appetite and liver troubles.
This herb comes to us from Native North Americans. It was popular among herbalists but not well known commercially until the early 1800's. The Cherokee, Iroquois and Micmac are known to have used goldenseal. The Iroquois made especially broad use of the plant. Goldenseal has been officially recognized by most Western pharmacopeias.