What is goldenseal?
The use of goldenseal in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts
accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Goldenseal is also known as ox-eye daisy, golden daisy, herb Margaret, maudlinwort,
moon daisy, eye balm, eye root, ground raspberry, Indian dye, jaundice root, orange root, tumeric
root, yellow Indian paint, yellow puccoon, wild curcuma, warnera, Indian plant, yellow root, and
others.
Goldenseal has been used topically (on the skin) to treat minor skin wounds and cold
sores. Goldenseal has been used orally (by mouth) to decrease diarrhea and to boost the immune
system. Some forms of goldenseal have also been used in the eyes as an eye wash.
Goldenseal has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of goldenseal may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Goldenseal may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking goldenseal?
Do not take goldenseal without first talking to your doctor if you
-
have high blood pressure or take medicine to control your blood
pressure, or
-
have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you take a
medicine to control or prevent such a disorder {e.g., heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), others}.
You may not be able to take goldenseal, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any
of the medicines, listed above.
Talk to your doctor before taking goldenseal if you have any other medical conditions,
allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements.
Goldenseal may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take goldenseal if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant. Goldenseal has been reported to cause uterine contractions. It is not known whether
goldenseal will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take goldenseal without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether goldenseal will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of goldenseal by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take goldenseal?
The use of goldenseal in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts
accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take goldenseal, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Do not use any formulation of goldenseal as a douche.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures,
and others) of goldenseal at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care
professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of
goldenseal.
Store goldenseal as directed on the package. In general, goldenseal should be protected
from light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of goldenseal?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of goldenseal. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about goldenseal?
Your pharmacist has information about goldenseal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of goldenseal?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to goldenseal have been reported. Stop
taking goldenseal and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have been infrequently reported. Talk to your doctor or
pharmacist if you experience
-
headache; or
-
stomach upset.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about goldenseal?
Do not take goldenseal without first talking to your doctor if you have high blood
pressure, a bleeding disorder, a blood clotting disorder, or if you take medicine to control any of
these conditions.
Goldenseal has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of goldenseal may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking goldenseal?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking goldenseal,
unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect goldenseal?
Do not take goldenseal without first talking to your doctor if you
-
take medicine to control your blood pressure, or
-
take medicine to control or prevent a bleeding or blood
clotting disorder {e.g., heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), others}.
You may not be able to take goldenseal, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you take any of the medicines listed above.
Goldenseal may also interact with medicines other than those listed here. Talk to your
doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of goldenseal?
