Goldenseal is the dried, yellow rhizome and rootlets of a small woodland-floor plant (Hydrastis canadensis) native to eastern North America. Herbalists often recommend it topically for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actions, which make it useful to clean wounds, reduce hemorrhoids, soothe canker sores, and alleviate skin infections (including ringworm and athlete’s foot). It may also help treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis.