Found in deep woods of eastern North America, goldenseal is an unusual looking plant with hairy stems, wrinkled leaves, and a small, petal-less white flower that swells into a tempting, yet inedible, bright red raspberry-like fruit. The plant’s fleshy horizontal rhizomes are anchored by fibrous rootlets, both a rich golden yellow color. Great care is taken with sustainable wildcrafting to preserve the native goldenseal population.

Native American tribes used goldenseal as a beautiful yellow dye, as well as medicinally, and goldenseal root remains a popular folk remedy. The most significant alkaloid in goldenseal root, berberine, is both antibacterial and anti- fungal and has been used to treat digestive tract infections as well as topical and oral infections. (Berberine is present in other medicinal roots such as barberry and Oregon grape.) Some herbalists also recommend goldenseal root for colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.

Goldenseal root powder is typically encapsulated to avoid the herb’s bitter taste. The powder is also convenient for making tinctures, topical ointments and salves.