Witnessed by: Western
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), of the Ranunculaceae family. Low woodland perennial from a knotted bright-yellow rhizome; native range: rich woodlands of eastern North America. Globally recognized as orange-root; yellow puccoon in English. The part used is rhizome and root. Vivid yellow root, intensely bitter, faintly acrid.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
GOLDENSEAL
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- goldenseal
- Scientific name
- Hydrastis canadensis L.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome and root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter (intense) · acrid
Temperature
- Western
- cooling and drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- mucous membranes (gut, respiratory, uro-genital) · liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- bitter tonic, mucous-membrane trophorestorative, antimicrobial, astringent, hemostatic, cholagogue
Cautions
Contraindications: pregnancy (uterine stimulant); do not use long-term
Toxicity: large doses irritate mucosa; berberine cautions in neonates
Sourcing status: cites-ii
Interactions
- Western
- CYP450-metabolised drugs: berberine inhibits CYP3A4/2D6, raising drug levels · anticoagulants: berberine may potentiate anticoagulant effect
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