Lucky me! As a member of United Plant Savers, I had the unique opportunity to purchase three rootlets of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). This offer was made to members in an effort to encourage growing this invaluable, but rapidly disappearing herb for personal use. Such a campaign would eventually eliminate having to buy the processed herb and, as a result, help to protect the plant from extinction.
Goldenseal is considered one of the most "at risk" medicinal plants in the United States.
Studies over the last two decades have indicated that this is due to extensive wild harvesting to meet the needs of the commercial herb market. I'm not surprised. Having worked for over twenty years in the natural products industry, I can recall the rapid surge in popularity of this herb along with its usual companion, Echinacea. Back in the mid to late 1990's this combination became the most sought after natural defense when symptoms indicated an oncoming bout of a cold or flu--Echinacea to give immunity a boost and Goldenseal as a natural anti-biotic and protector of delicate mucous membranes.
(Note: Echinacea is also considered "at risk," but more on this plant in an upcoming post...so watch this space.)
I'm faced with the task of cultivating this herb in a climate that is very unlike the one it prefers. Goldenseal loves to live in mature forest environments, in moist, shady areas along stream banks. I would too, but this doesn't sound too much like north central Arizona and certainly not like my very sunny, fenced in backyard garden. Adding to the challenge, I'm planting these sweet little rootlets in early fall that sometimes reverts back to Indian summer. Then too, will such young plants survive the winter? I'll have to make some fancy adaptations to keep them happy, and what better way to seek some guidance on how to do this than from the plant spirit of Goldenseal.
A visit to the all-embracing spirit of Goldenseal gave me the input I was looking for and then some! The spirit of this herb lives deep in the earth, and she was easy to find by her outstretched, glowing roots that morphed into the hair of a woman's face. Before I could even pose any question, I was told that the climate and environment to plant her little guys in didn't matter as much as the positive intention behind the planting process. She did approve of the spot I already had in mind after doing some research--facing north, in enriched soil, and as close as possible under the protection of a deciduous tree.
When I asked for any wisdom she wanted me to write about, I was told that some people were using her medicine more than they needed and did not realize that a little goes a long way. She advised only taking what was needed for one's own wellness and being mindful about the health related needs of others. She expanded this into a metaphor for choosing generosity on all levels. Use what you determine that is needed and share what you don't. This goes for earth medicines, food, products, money and all manner of worldly stuff and includes positive emotions. I got the idea that hoarding or even stockpiling was not the best approach for living a healthy life or maintaining a thriving planet.
When it was time for planting my three rootlets, yes, I had to look up "deciduous" tree to make sure I had it right. FYI, it's one that loses its leaves after the growing season ends. About five years ago such a tree, a local species of Elm, started growing in my backyard and it has gotten to be quite huge. It provides shade, beauty and a haven for birds and will serve the purpose as a nearby guardian of these young plants. Goldenseal likes falling leaves to form a natural mulch, and there will be plenty of those in the weeks to come.
I planted the rootlets surrounded by soil that was enhanced with organic fertilizer and covered the surface with garden mulch. This will do the job until the leaves start dropping, but it will take quite some time to see how they will do.
One of the reasons Goldenseal is at risk is because it has a very slow growth process and can take years before they are mature enough for any medicinal harvesting.
Until then, I'll have to rely on using the commercially prepared liquid extract. These are not as easy to buy in stores as they once were, but I was able to find a source offered by UPS.
The planting spot under the Elm that I chose is partially sheltered by my enormous Rosemary bush. She and I will do our best to see that the baby plants are well cared for. As for now, I think we all got some helpful advice from the spirit of this potent and multifaceted healer, and I'm grateful to her and for the important work the folks at United Plant Savers are doing.
If you look at their logo (see below), Goldenseal is actually their signature plant!
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
Great article!