Goldenrod – Did you know?
Goldenrod
Aaron’s rod; European goldenrod; Solidago canadensis; Solidago virgaurea
Historically, goldenrod (Solidago canadensis or Solidago virgaurea) has been used on the skin to heal wounds. It has also been used as a diuretic, meaning it helps the body get rid of excess fluid. The name solidago means “to make whole.”
Goldenrod has also been used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, enlargement of the liver, gout, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, asthma, and arthritis. In folk medicine, it is used as a mouth rinse to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat.
A few animal and test tube studies suggest goldenrod may help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, fight infections, and lower blood pressure. It does seem to act like a diuretic, and is used in Europe to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones. In fact, goldenrod is often found in teas to help “flush out” kidney stones and stop inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies. Actually it is another plant, ragweed, which blooms at the same time, that is usually responsible.
Plant Description
Goldenrod can crossbreed with other plants. As a result, there are at least 130 species of goldenrod in the United States alone. This herb is native to Europe and has spread to Asia, the Azores, and both North and South America.
European goldenrod is a perennial with single woody stems that grow to heights of 3 to 7 feet. It is often found along roadsides and in open fields. Its yellow flowers, which generally appear in August and September, are only about ¼-inch wide, but they come in large clusters. Its leaves alternate between jagged and smooth edges.
Most experts say goldenrod does not cause hay fever, or seasonal allergies. However, some people may have a skin reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) when they touch it. And some doctors may prefer not to give goldenrod to a person with hay fever.
Parts Used
The above-ground parts of the goldenrod plant are dried and used for medicine.
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Goldenrod may act as a diuretic, meaning it flushes water from the body by increasing urine output. It may also reduce inflammation. However, it has not really been studied in humans.
Goldenrod is sometimes suggested for the following conditions:
- Arthritis and gout
- Allergies
- Colds and flu
- Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract
- Kidney stones
- Eczema (applied to the skin)
- Minor wounds (applied to the skin)
Never use herbal products on open wounds.
Available Forms
You can take goldenrod in a number of ways, including as a dried herb (for teas or in capsules), or as an alcoholic or fluid extract.
Hat tip: Virginia Dean
