goldenseal (redirected from turmeric root)

goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).

(credit: Kitty Kohout/Root Resources)

Perennial herb (Hydrastis canadensis) native to woods of the eastern U.S. Its rootstocks have medicinal properties. The plant has a single greenish-white flower, the sepals of which fall as they open. The fruits grow in clusters of small red berries. Goldenseal is sometimes planted in shady wild gardens but is also grown commercially for the yellow rootstocks, which yield hydrastine, an alkaloid. Used medicinally by Native Americans, it is now a popular herbal supplement taken for minor pain and infections.