Perhaps you’re familiar with this plant in supplement form. Several immune-boosting formulas contain Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) as the primary ingredient, and it’s one of the top-selling herbs in the world today.
Goldenseal is not an exotic plant. This understory species is native to North America and can be found in rich, deciduous woodlands… usually in association with tulip poplar, American beech, white ash, and sugar maple trees.
For centuries, various Native American cultures utilized Goldenseal as a medicinal plant. Early European settlers also took a liking to this plant and quickly reduced wild populations to perilous numbers.
Today, Goldenseal is listed as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable in at least 10 states. In some areas, however, it can still be quite abundant.
I recently explored the woods in search of Goldenseal and documented the experience on film. If you’re interested in learning more about this incredibly special plant, as well as how to receive the benefits of Goldenseal without harvesting Goldenseal (there’s a great alternative!), check out the video!