Goldthread refers to several species within the genus Coptis, most commonly Coptis chinensis, known as "Huang Lian" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, goldthread is primarily valued for its bitter and cooling properties and is traditionally used to "clear heat" and "dry dampness," especially in conditions involving the digestive system, infections, or inflammation. Its main active component is berberine, which has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies.

While goldthread is widely used in TCM, its direct use for dizziness is not prominent. In some classical TCM formulas, herbs containing berberine, like goldthread, may be included for conditions described as "damp-heat" or "phlegm-heat" that, according to TCM theory, can cause symptoms such as dizziness. However, these uses are based on traditional diagnostic frameworks rather than modern biomedical evidence. There are no robust clinical studies or scientific reviews specifically supporting goldthread for the treatment of dizziness. Therefore, any use of goldthread for dizziness is primarily justified by traditional practices, with very limited supporting evidence.