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 and may improve irregular heartbeats (per WebMD, Drugs.com)

Gastrointestinal: It helps heal stomach ulcers, indigestion, gastritis, diarrhea, constipation, colitis, hemorrhoids, gas, internal bleeding, liver disorders, and mouth and gum problems.

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 decrease blood sugar

Cancer: May help

Infectious Disease: Malaria, whooping cough, gonorrhea

Other: Fever, weight loss

                                                  *   *   *

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

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

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

*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.