goldenseal

[ gohl-duhn-seel ]

noun

1. a plant, Hydrastis canadensis, of the buttercup family, having a thick yellow rootstock.
2. Also called hydrastis. the rhizomes and roots of this plant, formerly used in medicine as an astringent and to inhibit bleeding.

goldenseal

/ ˌɡəʊldənˈsiːl /

noun

1. a ranunculaceous woodland plant, Hydrastis canadensis, of E North America, whose thick yellow rootstock contains such alkaloids as berberine and hydrastine and was formerly used medicinally

Word History and Origins

Origin of goldenseal¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; golden + seal ¹

Example Sentences

Berberine is a chemical compound extracted from plants like goldenseal and barberry and often sold as a supplement, typically in capsules filled with yellow-tinged powder.

From Seattle Times

The herb goldenseal, a commonly used natural supplement, may dull the effect of medication used to stabilize glucose levels in people with type-2 diabetes, according to Washington State University scientists.

From Seattle Times

With the receiver wedged against her shoulder, the cord stretched across the kitchen, she cooked, cleaned, and strained tinctures of goldenseal and blessed thistle, while having the same conversation over and over.

From Literature

“And she wants to know if your rheumatism’s any better. If you need another bottle of ginger and goldenseal.”

From Literature

In addition to American ginseng, Felumlee cultivates goldenseal, black cohosh, blue cohosh, bloodroot, red trillium, and false unicorn under his trees’ canopy.

From Salon