Respiratory: Runny nose, helps treat flu, boggy, inflamed mucus membranes, chronic sinus infections, hay fever, pneumonia, decongestant, allergies

Eyes: conjunctivitis

Ears: tinnitus, earache, diminished hearing

Cardiovascular: May lower blood pressure (especially systolic) and may improve irregular heartbeats (per WebMD, Drugs.com). Proposed to help congestive heart failure (need more studies)

Gastrointestinal: It helps heal stomach ulcers, indigestion, gastritis, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, colitis, hemorrhoids, gas, internal bleeding, liver disorders/fatty liver, as well as mouth and gum problems. Claims to have properties similar to antibiotics used to treat H. pylori (the bacteria that are the cause of many stomach ulcers).

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infections, Dysmenorrhea, vaginal pain, irregular periods

Skin: Helps wound healing, rashes, itching, eczema, acne, dandruff, wound infections, ringworm, herpes blisters, cold sores, snake bites

Neurologic: Chronic fatigue

Cholesterol: Improves cholesterol/triglycerides (possibly for statin-intolerant people)

Mental Health: Anorexia

Glucose: Helps lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance

Cancer: May help reduce the incidence of precancerous polyps

Infectious Disease: Malaria, whooping cough, gonorrhea

Other: Fever, modest weight loss (belly fat)

                                                  *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Mouth and throat irritation, stomach ache, constipation, hallucinations, excitability/nervousness, delirium, skin irritation, photosensitivity (skin reaction to light), low blood pressure, cardiac problems (overdose), depression, certain ventricular arrhythmias (also considered to prevent some types of these)

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: This herb can be lethal in overdose. Be aware of safe dosages. It is not recommended for those with liver problems, diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, and blood pressure medicine or sedatives. It should not be taken with certain antifungals or some cancer medications. It should not be taken with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6-metabolized medications. There is a question of whether Goldenseal/berberine may also interact with medicines pumped by C-glycoprotein substrates. It has potential interactions with many other conventional drugs and herbs.

FORMS: Linament, capsules, extracts, tea (bulk), powder, tincture, eye balm, cream

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Note: Because most goldenseal products fall short of effective levels of berberine(the active compound in goldenseal), it is best to purchase and use berberine products instead of goldenseal, but even some berberine products fall short of stated berberine concentration. In addition, lead levels may be high in some products. The following have been third-party tested for quality, quantity and purity:

• GlucoVantage® Super Berberine capsules (use this link to order on Amazon)

• Natural Factors® WellBetX® Berberine 500 mg capsules (link TBD)

• Swanson® Berberine capsules (use this link to order from Amazon)

• GNC Herbal Plus® Goldenseal Root Extract 200 mg capsule (use this link to order on Amazon)

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like those to Amazon—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

DOSAGE: As directed

Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• 500 mg 1 to 2 times daily

Note: Consider adding red yeast rice to the berberine regimen for further lowering of cholesterol

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com, German Commission e or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.