What is Goldenseal Root Powder?

Goldenseal Root Powder is the ground dried root of Hydrastis canadensis, a small woodland perennial in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The root contains the yellow alkaloid berberine, which gives it its bright color and intensely bitter character.

About the plant

Goldenseal is native to the rich forests of eastern North America, where the Cherokee, Iroquois, and other Native peoples used the vivid yellow root and where it entered Eclectic Western herbalism in the 1800s. Wild populations have been badly depleted by overharvesting; the species is listed on CITES Appendix II and is considered threatened or endangered in a number of US states. We source goldenseal from cultivated supply rather than wild-harvested stock. Its characteristic alkaloids are berberine, hydrastine, and canadine.

Goldenseal Root Powder: form & sizes

We carry Goldenseal Root Powder as organic ground root powder, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 8 oz. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Goldenseal Root Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Goldenseal Root Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Hydrastis canadensis

Family

Ranunculaceae

Native region

eastern North America

Plant part

root

Sourcing

Organic

Sourcing note

Cultivated (not wild-harvested)

Also known as

Yellow Root, Orange Root

Characteristic compounds

Berberine, hydrastine, canadine

Form

ground root powder

Sizes

1 oz to 8 oz