Yellow Root – (Hydrastis Canadensis) Also known as goldenseal, yellow root is anti-inflammatory and a natural antibiotic. The plant can help in the treatment of sinus infections, bladder problems, colds, flu, sore throat, laryngitis, mouth sores, colitis, gastritis, chest congestion, and earache. Yellow root is a uterine tonic and a digestive aid. It is an excellent liver stimulant and is useful in soothing mucus membranes.

Yellow root is used in teas, tinctures, tonics, capsules, powders, eyewashes, gargles, ear drops, douches, and salves. It is known as a powerful cooling astringent that reduces phlegm. When combined with ginseng, yellow root helps improve the entire immune system.

When used as an external wash, yellow root can soothe irritated skin, eczema, and measles. As a mouthwash, yellow root helps heal mouth ulcers, gum disease, and sore throats. Powdered yellow root can be sprinkled on infected cuts and abrasions to help heal and protect. Yellow root salve makes an excellent remedy for chapped lips and dry skin.

Yellow root is used to treat some female conditions including PMS and yeast infection. It can be useful in preventing night sweats and hot flashes during menopause especially when combined with chasteberry.

The Cherokee Indians used yellow root to cure indigestion and to improve appetite. They used the herb for cancer, whooping cough, liver disorders, fevers, and heart problems. Yellow root was also considered useful as a dye and was often added to war paint.

Yellow root is one of the most popular of all herbs. It is estimated that 250,000 pounds of yellow root is now sold each year. Demand for yellow root has increased dramatically since 1990 due to the belief that the tea can mask the presence of drugs in a urine test. This assumption is false.

Most goldenseal is harvested in the wild. Since demand has increased (and supplies have dwindled) the price of goldenseal has skyrocketed. Prices of $10 a pound have risen to more than $30 a pound. Some buyers are currently offering up to $100 a pound. At this price, the future of yellow root is uncertain.

Yellow root plants usually grow from 6 to 14 inches tall. After emerging in early spring, flower buds quickly develop into small white flowers. Each plant produces a single, green raspberry-like fruit which turns red in July.

Yellow root rhizomes (roots) should be harvested in the fall and dried for future use. As the name implies, the roots are bright yellow. The plant likes rich soil and is usually found growing in patches on shady creek banks along with May apple, trillium, bloodroot and black cohosh.

*Avoid yellow root in pregnancy. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Do not use internally for more than three weeks. (The plant should not be eaten fresh.) The safety of goldenseal in nursing women, children, and people with kidney and liver disease is unknown. Side effects are rare but yellow root can cause mouth irritation and nervousness. Always consult with a physician before using any herbal remedy.