Goldenseal Root – Cut & Sifted & Powder

(Hydrastis canadensis)

Goldenseal Root is one of the most prized and potent botanicals in the North American herbal tradition — and one of the most expensive, reflecting both its remarkable alkaloid content and the conservation pressures on wild populations. Hydrastis canadensis is a small woodland perennial native to the rich hardwood forests of the eastern United States, growing from Vermont and Minnesota south through the Appalachians to Georgia and Alabama — and right here in Kentucky. Wild goldenseal is listed on CITES Appendix II due to decades of overharvesting, making sustainably sourced root an important consideration for conscientious herbalists.

The root is significantly more potent than the leaf in alkaloid content, containing high concentrations of berberine, hydrastine, and canadine — the characteristic bright-yellow isoquinoline alkaloids that give goldenseal its distinctive color and have made it one of the most researched plant alkaloids in modern botanical science. Berberine in particular has been the subject of hundreds of clinical studies. Our Goldenseal Root is available in both Cut & Sifted and Powder forms.

Product Highlights

• Root of Hydrastis canadensis — Goldenseal, the premier North American alkaloid herb
• High in berberine, hydrastine, and canadine — significantly more potent than the leaf
• Wild goldenseal is CITES Appendix II listed — sustainably sourced
• Native to eastern US hardwood forests including Kentucky
• Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms
• No additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients

How to Use

Herbal Tea / Decoction: Simmer ½ teaspoon of cut goldenseal root in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes. Strain well. Note: goldenseal tea is intensely bitter — that bitterness is a sign of alkaloid richness, but blending with other herbs is common. Tincture: A classic alcohol-based tincture is one of the most traditional and effective preparations. Capsules: Fill empty capsules with goldenseal root powder for a convenient supplement form. Herbal Wash: Prepare a strong tea and use as an external wash — a traditional application in North American herbalism. Topical Powder Blend: Goldenseal root powder is a classic ingredient in traditional herbal powder formulations for external use. Combine with slippery elm bark powder and a carrier oil to make a traditional herbal paste for external application.

Traditional Herbal Foot Powder Blend:
Combine 1 tsp goldenseal root powder, 1 tbsp chaparral powder, 1 tbsp black walnut hull powder, 1 tbsp peppermint leaf powder, 1 tsp tea tree essential oil, and ¼ cup arrowroot powder. Mix well and store in a shaker bottle for external use on feet.

Traditional Herbal Wound Paste:
Combine equal amounts of slippery elm bark powder and goldenseal root powder with 1 tbsp olive oil or calendula-infused oil. Mix at time of use and apply to a cloth placed over the area. We use this on our rescue dogs for skin irritations — it works wonderfully on animals too!

Available in Powder (2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) and Cut & Sifted (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

Safety Information

Goldenseal should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Those with heart conditions, elevated blood pressure, or diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before use. Some studies suggest goldenseal may interact with certain antibiotics including doxycycline and tetracycline. May be contraindicated for those with ragweed allergy. Not recommended for long-term use.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.