Tolerated it fine in the beginning months. Recently had it again and my bladder did NOT like it!  Matia said depends on what your body needs at different points - if it needs softening, nourishing, moistening herbs, then goldenseal may be too abrasive on the bladder as it's more of a strong cleanser.

For me... I LOVE goldenseal... But that is me... I feel like goldenseal and oil of oregano are two herbs that I can always count on to get me out of a bad situation.... We are all very different I guess.

I can tolerate goldenseal somewhat, especially if I am on other herbs as well.  Larger doses do seem to irritate my bladder though.  Also, sometimes I tolerate it for awhile and then have to go off it.  I have been on a low dose for a month or so now along with some other herbs, and it seems to be giving me problems lately.

I think my bladder gets irritated by goldenseal, but sometimes it seems to do it good too, probably from killing off bad stuff.  I can only take it for short stints at a time at this point.

In the beginning I was great on the goldenseal and loved it because it helped me urinate easier, feel better bladderwise, and cooled me down.  During treatment I've tried it a few times and it really bothered my bladder and made it feel hot and really uncomfortable.  But I agree that it all depends on what else you're taking with it and whats happening internally at the time.  ~shar

Matia just put me on Goldenseal today, by Eclectic Institute.  I can't find it on her website to buy and when I went to my health food store they only had brands different from the one she mentioned.  I'm waiting an email response back from her on if I can use a diff. brand while I order and wait for the other stuff from online.  Anyone have any experience on this?  I'd like to get started with it right away as opposed to waiting til my order comes in.  Anyone on Long Island know where to buy this brand specifically?

Thanks Mary,So I bought the Nature's Way brand and Matia said that was ok.  Then when I got it home I realized it wasn't the "root and rhizomes" but the leaves, flower and stem.  Aaargh.  I took one and Matia emailed me back and said that should also be ok, which confuses me because she did specify to get the roots and rhizomes.  I figure I'll order the Eclectic and use this bottle as a backup like you said.  It tasted awful....blech. She did, however, say not to use the Herb Pharm extract brand, FYI.

OK, on day 3 of Goldenseal and I finally got the right product.  I honestly dread when it's time to take the pill as I almost gag from the taste.  Anyone have any tips for making it go down more easily?  YUCK!  The first thing in the morning part is the worst. Nothing like waking up to that taste.Also, my bladder symptoms have slightly increased since starting.  Not horrible, just noticeable. Can I expect that to diminish?  I know sometimes it takes a few to several days of starting something new to adjust.  I guess time will tell. PS-I'm on list 2 and not drinking coffee or tea really yet.