Goldenseal is indicated for respiratory ailments and may work best when the mucus is thick, yellow or green in color. It may be an effective remedy for sinus infections. It should only be used when acute or sick. Do not use over two weeks. It may help resolve the sinus infection and get the mucus back to a clear infection state. It is not indicated for thin runny mucus. The key active ingredients of Goldenseal include the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. They may exhibit the antibacterial action effective against Staphylcoccus aureus, Streptococcus sanguis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Berberine may also be an amoebicidal, kills giardia, inhibits smooth muscle contraction and is anti-inflammatory. It may be effective for infection in any mucosal tissue including respiratory tract (sinus, throat, lung), urinary tract (bladder, kidney, ureter, urethra), digestive tract (whole length), reproductive tract (male and female), gum infections of the mouth. Goldenseal is becoming a threatened plant so only organicaly cultivated goldenseal should be used.