Goldenseal Herb
By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Goldseal herb has a long history of use in this country – one of which is as a laxative. You definitely want to check with your doctor before taking ANY medications to treat constipation as there can be other, more serious causes. Scientific data of goldenseal herb shows that it is generally safe and well tolerated.
Dear Curtis: Can the herb goldenseal be used as a laxative?
A: One of the problems you’ll immediately find with the goldenseal herbs is the fact that they are used for a lot of conflicting things. In the case of your question, yes, many herbalists recommend and use goldseal as a laxative. But, other reports find that goldenseal was useful in treating diarrhea. Huh?
For example, a study of men who had diarrhea from e-coli showed a 42-48% reduction in symptoms after taking berberine (berberine is actually an isolated compound out of the goldenseal whole herb).
But, in the case of diarrhea from e-coli that is a bacterial infection. So, maybe goldenseal has antibacterial properties? But, as it turns out, researchers didn’t find any changes in the bacterial composition of the but after taking goldenseal.
So, what does goldenseal actually do and is it a laxative or something that slows down the motility in your guts?
The one thing that has been proven with goldenseal is that it’s a tonic. In particular, it’s a mucous membrane tonic. And the ironic thing is that it doesn’t have to actually contact those membranes to have the tonic effect.
Traditionally, doctors who used goldensel discovered this. In addition, goldenseal also contains some astringent properties – which counters the increased mucuous effect. Again, this sort of dual – even opposite actions – is what makes goldenseal unique and gives it it’s “alterative” properties.
In short, while science hasn’t proven the exact mechanism of action, traditional use of the herb supports the idea that it can increase deficient flow in membranes but decrease excessive flow. So, it is historically used for constipation and appears to be effective – but also shows promise even in relieving the symptoms of diarrhea.
Goldenseal As A Laxative
In short, it appears from it’s long history of use that goldenseal should be something to at least be considered as a laxative. Also, if historical reports from herbalists and doctors are correct, not only is goldenseal useful in this condition it also relatively safe. Having a short onset of action (apx. 4 hours) and doesn’t stay in your system too long (8 to 10 hours).
Cautions
Constipation at face value doesn’t really seem like a big deal but you MUST know the underlying cause. Often times, it’s a result of a poor diet. But other times it can be serious as something like an intestinal tumor or blockage. This is exactly why you don’t want to take any laxative, whether it be a bulk laxative or a stimulant laxative – without knowing the underlying causes.
Also, if it is diet-related, the last thing you want to do is become dependent on any stimulant laxative – including goldenseal or you won’t be able to have ‘normal’ bowel movements without these herbs and drugs. I’ve seen patients fall into this trap and not only is it miserable for them – it’s tough to reverse.