Goldenseal root refers to the yellow tuberous root of Hydrastis canadensis, also
known as Indian Paint and Yellow Puccoon.
Because the herb was mistaken for
strychnine in a murder plot in a novel written by pharmacist John Uri Lloyd in
1900, the mistaken belief that goldenseal root could alter urine screening tests
persists to this day.
Goldenseal root can, however, affect blood pressure, so
check with your doctor before using it if you have hypertension or take other
medications.