Traditional Uses for Goldthread
Goldthread has been a significant herb in both Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. Dating back to the Tang dynasty, it was used to create a medicine known as Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD), which remains in use today. Herbalists rely on HLJDD to treat various ailments, including soothing irritation, promoting normal blood sugar levels, and supporting gastrointestinal health.
Native Americans also valued goldthread, using it as a digestive aid and to treat infections and mouth sores, which earned it the nickname “canker root.” Beyond its medicinal uses, Indigenous Americans utilized goldthread for its bright gold color to produce yellow dye and to flavor beer.
Health Benefits of Goldthread
The healing properties of goldthread are not just based on folklore. Modern medicine has begun to explore its potential health benefits. Animal studies have shown that goldthread can reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. Research has also indicated that goldthread can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and support brain health.
Goldthread’s therapeutic effects are largely due to its high concentrations of potent alkaloid compounds, particularly berberine. Berberine is known for its numerous health benefits, including protecting against certain harmful organisms, soothing irritated tissues, promoting normal lipid profiles, and boosting the immune system. Studies suggest that berberine may benefit those struggling with obesity and support heart, bone, joint, brain, digestive, liver, and respiratory health. Additionally, berberine has been investigated for its potential anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed to fully understand its capabilities.
Besides berberine, goldthread contains other beneficial alkaloids such as palmatine, epiberberine, jateorhizine, columbamine, and coptisine. Coptisine, in particular, has garnered attention for its potential to promote brain health. It may also help reduce fever, relieve discomfort, support heart health, and act as a strong antioxidant, encouraging normal cellular respiration.
Where to Find Goldthread
Goldthread varieties are native to Asia and North America, with some species critically endangered. This endangerment is due to both genetic factors and human activities. A genetic mutation causing low pollen and seed production affects up to 80% of Coptis teeta, a goldthread species from the eastern Himalayas. Additionally, overharvesting due to its therapeutic properties has significantly reduced its populations.
Finding a substitute for goldthread can be challenging. Goldenseal, another herb containing berberine, has also been overharvested and is often of dubious quality in drug stores. Oregon grape root, although it has a lower berberine concentration, is a more sustainable and readily available alternative. It is so common that it is often considered invasive outside its native habitat.
While some goldthread species are endangered and need protection, others remain abundant. Populations of some previously threatened species, like the North American Coptis trifolia, are recovering. If sourced carefully, goldthread remains a viable option. It is available in supplements, both as a standalone herb and blended with other herbs.
