What Are The Medicinal Uses For Goldenseal?

Traditionally, Goldenseal has been used as an eyewash, a remedy for mouth sores, an insect repellent, and as a remedy for "women's complaints."    One of its chemical components, hydrastine, has a sedative effect on the smooth muscles, and this probably accounts for its effectiveness against menstrual cramps.  The decoction and infusion of this plant renders a mildly antibiotic eyewash that has been shown to kill Staphylococus aureus, which causes many eye infections.  

In small doses, Goldenseal increases the production of white blood cells, which assists the body to overcome infections.  It should be noted, however, that hydrastine remains in the system for a long time and accumulates, meaning that continuous use of Goldenseal can result in toxicity.  When this occurs, there is a danger of overstimulation of the nervous system, and even convulsions.  For this reason, Goldenseal should never be taken for more than two weeks at a time, and only when it is needed to fight infection.