6 Best Benefits of Goldenseal Tea

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Goldenseal tea is one of the most effective home remedies for various ailments, so if you haven’t added it to your list of natural treatments, it’s time you learned about the benefits and potential side effects of this beverage.

What is Goldenseal Tea?

Goldenseal tea is a specialized tea brewed from the powdered roots or leaves of the goldenseal herb. This plant is native to the northern region of the United States and has long been used in traditional medicine practices. While the plant itself can be used in a number of ways, brewing a tea from the roots or leaves remains its most common application. This perennial plant is rather small, bearing red fruits and diminutive flowers. The vibrant yellow color of the root lends the plant its name, but that isn’t the only useful part of the plant. [1]

A hpt cup of tea with tea pot against a beautiful backdrop

After water, tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Goldenseal Tea Benefits

The key health benefits of goldenseal tea include its ability to boost the immune system, optimize digestion, detoxify the body, and protect cardiovascular health, among others.

Immune System

There are quite a few active ingredients in goldenseal tea that prevent bacterial and viral infections, including a high concentration of alkaloids, protecting us against common respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens. [2]

Heart Health

One of the best compounds in goldenseal is berberine, which has been linked to protecting heart health by maintaining the integrity of tissue and reducing blood pressure by widening arteries and blood vessels. [3]

Detoxify

By stimulating both the kidneys and the liver, this tea is able to remove excess toxins from the body and lower the strain on your metabolic system. [4]

Digestion

Often used for stimulating the digestive system, anecdotal evidence points to this teas as being excellent for reducing constipation and normalizing bowel movements. [5]

Wound Healing

Traditional uses of this tea included using a cold infusion of wounds to speed the healing process, while also protecting the exposed wound from other infections. [6]

Anti-tumor Properties

With its high berberine concentration, studies have linked this tea to potential anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting effects in those who regularly consume it. [7]

How to Make Goldenseal Tea?

A hot cup of tea with tea pot against a beautiful backdrop

Energizing Goldenseal Tea Recipe

Golden in color, the goldenseal tea is known for its rejuvenating properties. It has a distinct aroma and a slightly bitter taste that you can dilute by adding lemon or honey.
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Course: Tea
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Goldenseal Tea
Appliance: Tea Strainer, Teapot, Kettle
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Steeping time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Author: Paromita Datta

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp goldenseal root or leaves
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 1 slice lemon optional
  • 1/2 tsp honey optional

Instructions

  • Boil 2-3 cups of water in a kettle.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of powdered goldenseal root or leaves to a teapot.
  • Pour over the boiling water and allow the mixture to steep for 5-10 minutes.
  • Strain the tea and serve hot. For added flavor, you can add a slice of lemon or some honey.
    Flatline view of tea in an elegant cup and saucer with a spoon placed alongside

Goldenseal Tea Side Effects

Despite the many obvious benefits of this tea, there are also some potential side effects, such as inflammation, complications with pregnancy, and sensitivity to light.

Allergic reactions are the most common and can include irritation of the mouth, face, throat, and stomach. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention, if the allergic reaction appears to be worsening. Some of the active ingredients can increase light sensitivity, leading to easier sunburns. Finally, due to the powerful nature of the ingredients, pregnant and breastfeeding women are not recommended to consume this tea.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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