Goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

Description

Historically, goldenrod has been used to treat headaches and taken internally as a diuretic, helping the body to get rid of excess fluid. Its Latin name solidago means ‘to make whole’. There are also records of goldenrod’s use to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, enlargement of the liver, gout, haemorrhoids, internal bleeding, asthma and arthritis. Little study exists to support these later claims.

Parts used

The above-ground parts of the goldenrod plant are dried and used for medicine.

Constituents

Goldenrod contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, astragalin and rutoside), anthocyanidins, triterpene saponins, glycosides, lactones phenolic acids and a small amount of essential oil.

Medicinal uses

Solidago is available in combination products. A few animal and test-tube studies suggest goldenrod may help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, fight infections and lower blood pressure.

In humans, it is prescribed to:

  • Act as a diuretic.
  • Treat urinary tract infections and ‘flush out’ kidney stones.
  • May ease headache pain.
  • Help to lower blood pressure.
  • Help to boost the immune system.
  • Treat hot flushes.
  • May reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by arthritis or gout.
  • May soothe symptoms of allergies, colds and flu, such as excess mucus and cough.

CAUTION

Talk to your medical practitioner before taking any herbal supplements.
People who are hypersensitive to flowers of the Compositae family should avoid goldenrod. Do not give goldenrod to a child without talking to your doctor first. Side effects can include heartburn. Always consult your medical practitioner before taking solidago, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood pressure (hypotension), osteoporosis, have fluid retention problems caused by heart or lung problems or have kidney disease. May cause breathing problems if you are a hayfever sufferer. Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Flora Force Products containing Peppermint

Domestic & culinary uses

There are no references to goldenrod being used for culinary purposes.

Cultivation

Solidago virgaurea is indigenous to Europe, but has spread to Asia and both North and South America. This perennial with single woody stems grows to two metres and is often found along roadsides and in open fields. S. virgaurea is not grown in South Africa, although descendents such as S. canadensis and S. rugosa do well here. Their benefits in tearting disease are not known.

Photo credits

  1. By H. Zell (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Information in our herb library is intended only as a general reference for further exploration. It is not a replacement for professional health advice and does not provide complete dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription medicines. Accordingly, this information should only be used under the direct supervision of a suitably qualified health practitioner such as a registered homeopath, naturopath or phytotherapist.