Hydrastis Canadensis – The Homeopathic Remedy for Mucous Discharges & Debility

• Common Name: Golden Seal
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Source: Tincture of fresh root
• Miasm: Psora–Sycosis
• Temperament: Cachectic, weak, old persons with broken-down constitution
• Thermal: Chilly

Sphere of Action

Acts prominently on mucous membranes of respiratory, digestive, genital-urinary tract, causing thick, ropy, yellow mucus discharges. Acts also on liver, glands, muscles, and skin.

Key Clinical Indications

Mucous Membranes (Catarrhal Affections)

• Thick, yellow, tenacious ropy mucus from nose, throat, chest
• Post-nasal drip, chronic nasal catarrh
• Constant hawking of mucus from throat
• Chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis with thick secretion

Digestive System

• Bitter taste, thickly coated tongue – dirty yellow
• Constipation – no desire, soft stool passed with difficulty
• Weak digestion in cachectic individuals
• Liver affections, hepatic torpor, jaundice

Female Genital Tract

• Leucorrhea – thick, yellow, ropy discharge
• Uterine cancer (as palliative), cervical erosion
• Post-menopausal complaints in old, worn-out women

General Weakness

• Profound muscular debility, emaciation
• Suitable for cachectic individuals
• Cancer cachexia; ulceration of mucous membranes
• Enlarged liver, slow digestion, prostration

Characteristic Symptoms

• Discharges are thick, yellow, ropy, tenacious
• Marked prostration, especially in chronic mucous conditions
• Sensation of rawness or excoriation in mucous tracts
• Ulcers with indurated base and offensive discharge

Modalities

Worse From	Better From
Cold air, open air	Warm room
Night, especially during sleep	Rest, covering up
Exertion	Eating

Potency & Dosage

• Used from Mother tincture (Q) up to 30C
• In mucous membrane affections, Q or 3x is often used locally and internally
• In chronic conditions, 6C or 30C acts well internally

Relationships

Complementary	Similar Remedies	Antidotes
Kali bichromicum	Mercurius, Nitric acid, Sulphur	Nux vomica, Pulsatilla

Mnemonic for Hydrastis

“HYDRA”

• Hawking of ropy mucus
• Yellow, thick, tenacious discharges
• Debility, digestive weakness
• Rawness in mucous membranes
• Aged people with broken-down constitution

One-Line Summary

Hydrastis is best suited for old, debilitated individuals with thick, ropy, yellow mucous discharges and ulcerated mucous membranes.