goldenseal

American  

[gohl-duhn-seel] / ˈgoʊl dənˌsil /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of goldenseal

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

Example Sentences

Steroids, low-dose naltrexone, melatonin, lecithin, goldenseal, sceletium and a whole world of anti-inflammatory botanical ferments like kefir.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2023

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 • Jun. 12, 2023

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

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2019

An antiseptic, goldenseal reduces inflammation and fights microorganisms in the body.

From US News • Dec. 13, 2013

“You’re like a wee child,” Alys said to her, laughing when Claire backed away nervously from a fat beetle on a bush where they were gathering large leaves of goldenseal.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry