Goldenseal Root (Hydrastitis Canadenisis) is known for its antibiotic like actions. Goldenseal may be used for inflammation of the mucous membranes and respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, genito-urinary system, poor digestion, atonic dyspepsia, fevers, inflammation, hemorrhoids, colds & flu, impetigo, viral & bacterial infections, peptic ulcers, diarrhea and improving all catarrhal conditions. No herb was more revered by American Indians than the versatile Golden Seal (hydrastis canadensis). Once flourishing in the moist, rich woodlands of the Northeast, they called it "yellow root" and used the brilliant golden juice extracted from its roots as an ornamental dye for their clothes and weapons, a paint for their faces, and for its health benefits. Early settlers adopted the use of Golden Seal and it quickly became a mainstay of American folk medicine. The name Golden Seal comes from the yellow scars left on the rhizome of the stem that bursts forth every spring; these scars look like the imprint of an old-fashioned letter seal. Golden Seal is very difficult and sensitive plant to grow and requires five years for roots to become mature. Since 1922, Alvita has been making the finest herb teas money can buy. Pure, natural singles and blends that bring you unsurpassed enjoyment, healthful benefits and complete satisfaction. No less reassuring is our unwavering commitment to the environment. Today, no herb tea company goes as far to protect the Earth and its precious resources-this package and its contents being testimony. There is no plastic shrinkwrap on the outside. The box is 100% recycled board that can be recycled again. The finish is soybean-based. Our tea bags are English Pillow Style, with no strings, tags or staples attached. Even the tea bag paper is recyclable. And all our bags are oxygen bleached, not chlorine bleached, to safeguard you and our ground water. Degradable. Recyclable. Reusable. The key component of each is the word "able". At Alvita, we wholeheartedly believe we are all able to play a key role in preserving the wondrous world we live in. For us, it starts with offering you the most environmentally safe and responsible herb teas possible.