College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Kick up your immunity with this powerful herbal anti-biotic tincture. Receive maximum benefit in this easy-to-digest preparation, so you get better from a cold or flu fast! Also effective in long-term, chronic infections.

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Kick up your immunity with this powerful herbal anti-biotic tincture. Receive maximum benefit in this easy-to-digest preparation, so you get better from a cold or flu fast! Also effective in long-term, chronic infections.

Metabolic Nature of Goldenseal

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other

Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

SEE ALL 'INWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Goldenseal
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

General Laxative

GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Vulnerary

VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Mucolytic

MUCOLYTIC

An herb that breaks apart mucus, liquefying the mucus.

SEE ALL 'MUCOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antifungal

STRONG ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFUNGAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antimicrobial

STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antipyretic

STRONG ANTIPYRETIC

Reduces a fever / febrifuge.

SEE ALL 'ANTIPYRETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antiseptic

ANTISEPTIC

Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Helpful in infections and for those with weak immune systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTISEPTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antiviral

ANTIVIRAL

Herbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil.

SEE ALL 'ANTIVIRAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Immune Stimulant

IMMUNE-STIMULANT

Stimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Refrigerant

STRONG REFRIGERANT

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.

SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hemostatic

HEMOSTATIC

An herb that stops bleeding.

SEE ALL 'HEMOSTATIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hypertensive

HYPERTENSIVE

An herb that increases blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'HYPERTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Opthalmic

OPTHALMIC

Benefits the eyes, vision tonic.

SEE ALL 'OPTHALMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Reduces Secretions

REDUCES-SECRETIONS

Stops discharges & secretions (examples include sweat, vaginal discharge, diarrhea, urinary, nasal, etc). Commonly astringent or cooling remedies.

SEE ALL 'REDUCES-SECRETIONS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vessel Tonic

VESSEL-TONIC

An herb that improves the tone and integrity of blood vessel walls. This is helpful in easy bruising.

SEE ALL 'VESSEL-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

STRONG CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Uterine Stimulant

UTERINE-STIMULANT

Causes contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.

SEE ALL 'UTERINE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Berberine

BERBERINE

A bitter compound having strong chologogue, alterative, and anti-microbial properties. Lowers dopamine.

SEE ALL 'BERBERINE' FOODS / HERBS

Toxicity: Moderate - Not for long term use.

Foods with a Similar Nature to Goldenseal

  • Sage

    Sage has these Actions in Common

    Antipyretic, Decongestant, Immune-stimulant, Reduces-secretions, Antiseptic, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant, Burns-toxins, Hypertensive, Mucolytic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Antibacterial, Antiviral, Diuretic, Mucolytic, Antifungal, Cholagogue, General-laxative, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Burns-toxins, Diuretic, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hemostatic, Antipyretic, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic

    Garlic has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Mucolytic, Alterative, Antiviral, General-laxative, Vulnerary, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Antifungal, Decongestant, Hemostatic, Antimicrobial, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Burns-toxins, Diuretic, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Antibacterial, Burns-toxins, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Digestive, Antibacterial, Burns-toxins, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Cholagogue, Vulnerary, Alterative, Antifungal, General-laxative

    LEARN MORE

  • Lemon

    Lemon has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Decongestant, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Digestive, Refrigerant, Cholagogue, General-laxative, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Antipyretic, Digestive, Uterine-stimulant, Burns-toxins, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Basil

    Basil has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Decongestant, Hypertensive, Antibacterial, Digestive, Immune-stimulant, Burns-toxins

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Goldenseal

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Antibacterial, Diuretic, Antimicrobial, Immune-stimulant, Antipyretic, Internal-detoxicant, Antiseptic, Mucolytic, Antiviral, Refrigerant, Burns-toxins, Vulnerary, Alterative, Decongestant, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Antipyretic, Vessel-tonic, Antiseptic, Vulnerary, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Alterative, Hemostatic, Anti-inflammatory, Immune-stimulant, Antifungal, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Uterine-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Alterative, Hemostatic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antifungal, Reduces-secretions, Antimicrobial, Uterine-stimulant, Antipyretic, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Antiviral

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Alterative, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Refrigerant, Antifungal, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Kushta

    Kushta has these Actions in Common

    Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Digestive, Diuretic, Immune-stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Uterine-stimulant, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

  • Mahasudarshan

    Mahasudarshan has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Decongestant, Alterative, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Immune-stimulant, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antiviral, Burns-toxins

    LEARN MORE

  • Guluchyadi Kashayam

    Guluchyadi Kashayam has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Reduces-secretions, Alterative, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antiviral

    LEARN MORE

  • Mugwort

    Mugwort has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Reduces-secretions, Anti-inflammatory, Refrigerant, Antibacterial, Uterine-stimulant, Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Arjuna

    Arjuna has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Vessel-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antibacterial, Antipyretic, Decongestant, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Refrigerant

    LEARN MORE

  • Haritaki

    Haritaki has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Diuretic, General-laxative, Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Opthalmic, Anti-inflammatory, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

1 dropper full 2x/day or as directed by your practitioner.
See guidelines for tinctures?

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Goldenseal may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Goldenseal may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Goldenseal. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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Founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda, John Immel, answers the question ‘What is Ayurveda?’

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.