Golden showers

Golden Seal (or Goldenseal), scientifically known as Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States.

Description

Golden Seal is characterized by a thick, yellow knotted rootstock. It sprouts a purplish stem, usually about 30cm tall, with two palmate, hairy leaves, and bears a single small, inconspicuous flower in late spring, which develops into a raspberry-like berry.

Uses

Golden Seal has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The root is often used to make medicine and is commonly used for infections in the body, particularly those that affect the ears, eyes, and throat. It is also used for digestive disorders, including stomach pain and swelling (gastritis), peptic ulcers, colitis, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, and intestinal gas.

Cultivation

Golden Seal is typically cultivated in the shade, in moist, well-drained soils. It is usually propagated by seed in autumn or by root division in spring.

Conservation

Due to overharvesting, Golden Seal is now considered a threatened species in many parts of its native range. Efforts are being made to cultivate the plant and reduce the need for wild-harvested material.

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• Medicinal plants