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| ner writes, "Taking goldenseal or berberine internally will not directly kill or inhibit bacteria or other infectious agents in most of these conditions, (colds or flu) "unless coming in direct contact with the infected tissue." |
| Goldenseal works by both toning and increasing secretions in the mucous membranes. This makes goldenseal (as well as other herbs containing berberine) beneficial for acute and chronic mucous membrane conditions. Since berberine is excreted through the urine, goldenseal may act as an effective antibiotic in cystitis and urinary tract infections. |
| To use goldenseal topically for an eye infection, make a tea by steeping 1/4 teaspoon of goldenseal powder in 1/2 cup of just-boiled water for 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooled to body temperature, strain the tea through a coffee filter. Then, using an eyedropper, put one drop in the infected eye. By morning, the infection may be completely cleared. |
| Many goldenseal substitutes are readily available, most of them more abundant than goldenseal and some, such as goldthread (coptis), contain even more berberine than goldenseal. A common woodland plant of the eastern United States, goldthread is useful for stomach complaints, canker sores, fevers and infections. Some analogs for goldenseal include the ubiquitous barberry (berberis), which grows prolifically throughout the New England woodlands and is cultivated as a common landscape shrub. Barberry is an effective remedy for cystitis, bronchitis, second-stage bacterial infections, abscessed teeth and ear infections. some herbalists consider it to be more effective than echinacea for well-established colds. Barberry contains at least seven alkaloids in addition to berberine. |
| Oregon grape root (Berberis/Mahonia aquifolium) can be used in place of goldenseal, especially in digestive complaints, chronic skin conditions and mucous membrane problems. A traditional desert herb, yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) is a popular replacement for goldenseal |
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