Goldenseal has long been valued for its ability to soothe inflamed or infected mucous membranes. It is a broad-range herb that fights various bacteria, fungi and protozoa infections and is found in popular herbal blends for taming intestinal and gallbladder inflammation. Traditional Chinese healers give Goldenseal to cancer patients whose immune systems are weakened by chemotherapy treatments.

Goldenseal may help to curtail colds, flu and other respiratory infections, reduce the symptoms of sinusitis, combat infections of the urinary tract and vaginal area, relieve eye complaints, heal minor cuts and scrapes, ease diarrhea, relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, cold sores, genital herpes and shingles, and canker sores.