"Along the roadside, like the flowers of gold That tawny Incas for their gardens wrought, Heavy with sunshine droops the golden-rod, And the red pennons of the cardinal-flowers Hang motionless upon their upright staves."
The Latin name of the goldenrod plant “Solidago” – solido – means “to make whole” – a wound healing remedy in the ancient world.
There are more than 100 species of Goldenrod, a fast growing perennial with bright yellow flowers, found throughout North & South America, Europe, N.Africa, and some parts of Asia. Any species of Goldenrod can be used for herbal preparations.
The most common species to N.America are the Solidago gigantea, Solidago canadenis, S. odora and S. vigaurea.
Goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing “hay fever” because it blooms at the same time and often in the same location as the truly allergic ragweed, an airborne pollen of which is causing this reaction. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is pollinated mainly by insects.
The goldenrod possesses diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties and is considered to be the most effective herbal treatment for urinary tract disorders of all kinds.
The herb reputedly helps flush out kidney and bladder stones.
The German Commission E has officially approved goldenrod for urinary and bladder inflammations. It is a kidney tropho-restorative (tropho is Greek for nourishing), so it both nourishes and restores balance to the kidneys. According to Peter Homes, it is a good choice for long term use with chronic issues to this area of the body.
Saponins found in the goldenrod are specifically effective against Candida infection!
Remedies made from the goldenrod herb are also effective in a case of chronic sore throats, in alleviating chronic congestion in the nasal passages as well as in treating problems such as diarrhea and other digestive disorders.
The goldenrod has a mild and soothing action in the body, which is the reason that it is considered to be appropriate for young children and infants.
Goldenrod also is a valuable herb in skin remedies and personal care preparations, because of its antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Goldenrod contains rutin which is effective in treating small wounds, capillary fragility and other skin conditions.
Goldenrod. Verge d’Or. Solidago. Goldruthe. Woundwort. Aaron’s Rod.
Solidago spp.
Above-ground parts of the plant while flowering.
Pleasant, green, weedy, like wet hay. Faintly bitter, sweet and aromatic taste and can be used to improve the taste of other medicinal preparations.
Uses: Bladder Infection (UTI). Congestion. Colds and flu. Sore Throat. Diarrhea. Kidney. Spasms. Oral Swelling (inflammation). Wounds. Arthritis. Skin conditions. Tuberculosis. Diabetes. Liver. Hemorrhoids. Internal bleeding. Asthma. Hay Fever. Prostate enlargement. Eczema. Dermatitis. Gout. Acne. Burns. Cuts and other skin conditions.
Key actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, tonic, carminative, aquaretic, antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic, gentle sedative, cicatrisant, vulnerary.
Constituents: saponins, flavonoids, tannins, essential oil, rutin, phenolic glucosides, diterpenes, acetylenes, cinnametes, hydroxybenzoates, inulin.
Growing: Growing and planting goldenrod is easy, as this plant will survive just about anywhere, though it does prefer full sun.
It is a hardy tenacious perennial plant with cylindrical roots. This root structure allows the plant to bury deep into all kinds of soils. Thus the plant grows successfully in the dry earth found in woodlands, it can grow well among bushes in waste areas, and it grows successfully on dunes and among rocks.
Harvest: Late summer, when the plant is in full bloom – cut the top two-thirds of the plant. Dry. Store in airtight containers away from sunlight.
Goldenrod is used in making herbal teas, infusions, tinctures, essential oil, hydrosols, salves, vinegars and other herbal remedies.
Herbal tea:
Pour 1 cup of water brought to a rolling boil over 2-4 tsp of dried herb, cover with a lid, so you don’t lose any aromatics of the plant, steep/infuse for 30 min to 10 hours. Flavor with honey to taste as an option. Take in 1 cup 2-3 times a day.
Children Dosage:
Safety:
No adverse effects are expected (or have ever been reported) from taking Golden Rod in tea or tincture, even in high or frequent doses. It may be confidently taken during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding and used by the young or old with safety.
Do NOT confuse this herb with Verbascum densiflorum, which is sometimes called “goldenrod.”
Science on Goldenrod:
* In a clinical trial of patients with urinary tract inflammation 70% experienced complete disappearance of symptoms of pain, frequency and urgency with the use of Goldenrod tincture (Bruhwiler K et al: 4th International Congress on Phytotherapy, Munich, Sept 10-13, 1992: Abstract SL20)
* A randomised, double-blind controlled clinical trial using Ash, Poplar bark and Goldenrod for rheumatic conditions concluded that the herbal medicine was comparable to NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) but with a much lower incidence of side effects (Klein-Galczinsky C: Wien Med Wochenschr 149(8-10):248-253, 1999)
* Laboratory studies have shown that saponins from Goldenrod have immune modulating and anti-tumour effects; other constituents (flavonoids) in the plant have been shown to have diuretic effects and to cause an increase in electrolyte excretion; yet further substances in the plant (3,5,-O-caffeoylquinic acid) have shown effects on adrenal hormones in a way that may go to explain its anti-inflammatory actions (Strehl E et al: Arzneim Forsch 45(2):174-176, 1995) & (Melzig MF et al: Z Phytother 21(2):67-70, 2000)
* The authors, titles and the ‘where-and-when’ published for over 40 further studies and articles on Goldenrod are listed in a PDF found HERE
Our first go to cough remedy and also great to give as a preventative in the winter months! The formulation of this Homemade Cough Syrup is not to stimulate the immune system, but rather support it with Vitamin C rich & Nutrient-dense Organic Ingredients.
This herbal tea formula is focused on the whole Respiratory system recovery and on supporting the body’s natural detox pathways and vitality with necessary nutrients. Will work great for flu, cold, sore throat, dry persistent cough and other respiratory issues.
Resources: My invisible notes:
https://www. webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-84/goldenrod
https://www. mothering.com/forum/19-i-m-pregnant/289269-herbs-use-during-pregnancy.html
http://www. rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/golden_rod.html
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** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs that are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **
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