Goldthread, commonly referring to Coptis chinensis or related species, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is primarily valued for its bitter taste and is traditionally used to "clear heat" and "dry dampness," as well as to address symptoms associated with infections, digestive issues, and fevers. The use of goldthread for "chills" specifically is not prominent in Western herbal traditions but is sometimes mentioned in TCM texts, where chills may be associated with febrile diseases or imbalances such as "wind-cold" or "damp-cold" invasions. In these contexts, goldthread may be included in complex herbal formulas to address underlying "heat" or infection that could manifest as alternating chills and fever.

There is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the use of goldthread for treating chills as a standalone symptom. Most available studies focus on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties, largely attributed to its primary active constituent, berberine. However, these studies do not specifically examine its efficacy for chills, and clinical trials on this particular use are lacking. Therefore, goldthread's application for chills is justified primarily by tradition and is supported by indirect evidence at best.