Goldenrod

Botanical Name:  Solidago virgaurea
Common Names:  European goldenrod

Overview

Historically, goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), also called European goldenrod, has been used topically for wound healing. In fact, the name Solidago means "to make whole."
In traditional medical practices, goldenrod has been used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, enlargement of the liver, gout, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, asthma, and rheumatic illnesses (disorders of the muscles and joints). Topical preparations of goldenrod are used in folk medicine to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat as well as slow-healing wounds.
Today, goldenrod is primarily used as an aquaretic agent, meaning that it promotes the loss of water from the body (as compared to a diuretic, which promotes the loss of both water and electrolytes such as salt). It is used frequently in Europe to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent or treat kidney stones. In fact, goldenrod is commonly found in teas (typically with other herbs including uva ursi) to help "flush out" kidney stones and alleviate inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Laboratory studies have found that active compounds in goldenrod help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, and lower blood pressure. Some studies also suggest that it may have antioxidant effects. This herb has not been extensively studied in people.

Plant Description

Because goldenrod has an unusual ability to crossbreed with other plants, there are at least 130 recognizable 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 often found along roadsides and in open fields with single woody stems that grow to heights of 3 to 7 feet. Its yellow flowers, which generally appear in August and September, are only about ¼-inch wide but come in large clusters. Leaves alternate between toothed and smooth edges.
Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not cause hay fever. Its pollen grains, which are meant to be carried by insects, are much heavier than those of ragweed and other plants with airborne pollens that may be associated with allergies or hay fever.

Parts Used

The above ground parts of the goldenrod plant are dried and used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

The ability of goldenrod to flush water from the body, combined with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (ability to fight infection) properties, it is used by herbalists for a wide range of health problems including:

• Arthritis
• Allergies
• Colds and flu
• Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract
• Kidney stones
• Laryngitis
• Sore throats

Topical applications may aid in wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema.

Available Forms

Goldenrod may be taken in a variety of forms, including tea, tincture, or fluid extract.

How to Take It

Pediatric
The appropriate dose of goldenrod for a child should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20-25 kg), the appropriate dose of goldenrod for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.
Adult
Recommended adult doses are as follows:

• Tea: Place 2 to 3 tsp of dried herb in one cup of water, bring to a boil, and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink. Take 3 times per day.
• Gargle: Make the tea described above, and gargle with it 3 times per day.
• Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: Take 0.5 to 2 mL 2 to 3 times per day.
• Tincture (1:5) in 45% ethanol: Take 2 to 4 mL 2 to 3 times per day.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day when taking this herb.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
Goldenrod is generally considered safe. Some individuals may develop a mild allergic reaction to the herb.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as people with impaired heart or kidney function should not take goldenrod.

Possible Interactions

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between goldenrod and conventional medications.