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Goldenseal & Echinacea Antimicrobial Ointment

A traditional-style ointment combining two herbs long associated with skin defense, for use on closed, minor skin irritations.

lotionsWound CareIntermediate⏱ 15 minsShelf life: 10 months

Benefits

Skin defenseTraditional skin care

Ingredients

  • Goldenseal-infused oil — 20ml
  • Echinacea-infused oil — 30ml
  • Beeswax — 8g

Instructions

  1. Melt beeswax into the infused oils over a double boiler.
  2. Pour into a tin once fully melted and combined.
  3. Let cool and set before capping.

Notes

Goldenseal will stain skin and fabric a yellow tint temporarily.

Interactions & contraindications

Goldenseal-infused oil

Full profile
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Pregnancy

Avoid

Goldenseal contains berberine, which is contraindicated in pregnancy — it can cross the placenta and has been linked to newborn jaundice (kernicterus) risk.

Breastfeeding

Avoid

Berberine content means it's generally avoided during breastfeeding due to potential infant jaundice risk.

Children

Avoid

Berberine-containing herbs are contraindicated in newborns/infants due to jaundice risk; used cautiously if at all in older children and never long-term.

Many prescription medications

Strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 liver enzymes, which can raise blood levels of many drugs — check with a pharmacist before combining with any prescription medication.

Blood pressure medications

May raise blood pressure.

Echinacea-infused oil

Full profile
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response

Pregnancy

Likely Safe

Short-term use for cold/flu symptoms has reasonable safety data in pregnancy (including a well-cited prospective study finding no increase in major malformations); long-term daily use is less studied, so it's typically reserved for short courses when needed.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Short-term use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Children

Use Caution

Commonly used short-term for children's colds, but as a member of the Asteraceae (ragweed/daisy) family, watch for allergic reactions in children with that sensitivity, and avoid in children under 1 without pediatric guidance.

As a member of the Asteraceae (ragweed/daisy) family, this herb carries a real chance of cross-reaction in anyone allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies — introduce cautiously if there's a known allergy.

Immunosuppressants

May counteract immunosuppressive therapy by stimulating immune activity — relevant for transplant or autoimmune patients.

Beeswax

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Beeswax in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Beeswax itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Beeswax in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.