Benefits
Kidney & Bladder Health
With powerful diuretic properties, Goldenrod helps to flush out impurities by helping to release excess water and increase urine flow. This can help to dislodge renal deposits that might otherwise develop into kidney stones and removes other potentially harmful microorganisms.
Goldenrod has been researched extensively for its ability to soothe and tone the urinary tract and reduce the discomfort and swelling associated with urinary tract infections (UTI’s). It is often used in “irrigation therapy”, a procedure that involves taking Goldenrod with lots of fluids to increase urine flow in an effort to treat inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, as well as stones in the kidney or urinary tract. According to PubMed; “Investigations in molecular pharmacology could show new mechanisms responsible for the biological effect of natural products from goldenrod extracts. The use of such herbal preparations with a rather complex action spectrum (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, antispasmodic, analgesic) is especially recommended for treatment of infections and inflammations, to prevent formation of kidney stones and to help remove urinary gravel.” Goldenrod has also been shown to exhibit strong preventative effects for those who suffer recurring UTI’s.
Colds/Flu/Allergies
Classed as an astringent herb and a strong decongestant, Goldenrod can help to dry up congestion caused by colds, flu, allergies and sinus problems. It contains a flavonoid called quercetin which acts as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. As a mild diaphoretic, Goldenrod helps to open up the pores and release heat through the skin, therefore supporting the reduction of a fever.
Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties make this herb extremely soothing for sore throats and laryngitis.
Antioxidant
Goldenrod is packed with antioxidants – well known herbalist and researcher Robert Dale Rogers asserts that it has 7 x the antioxidant levels of green tea. It is rich in the antioxidant compound known as rutin, whose benefits include strengthening blood vessels, promoting healthy circulation and preventing blood clots, making it especially beneficial to the cardiovascular system as a whole.
Folklore and history
Most of what is known about the traditional use of Goldenrod comes from the Native American peoples who used it both internally and topically. Some tribes made an infusion of flowers and leaves for fevers and chest pains, and others used the leaves as a poultice to relieve the pain of rheumatism and neuralgia. During its long history as a folk remedy it was also known as "woundwort" due to its reputation as a powerful wound healer.
Goldenrod also thrived in other parts of the world. The 12th century "Great Saladin" who rose to be a Caliph of Egypt greatly treasured Goldenrod as a medicine. He introduced it to the Middle East where it still remains an important crop. When it was introduced as a medicinal herb in Elizabethan England it was highly valued and very expensive. Unfortunately for its suppliers it was soon found growing wild and prices plummeted dramatically.
Goldenrod has been the State Flower of Kentucky since 1926 when a group of Kentucky Women's Clubs stormed the state capitol and demanded that it be adopted because it is native to all of Kentucky. After much deliberation the men finally adopted it - however a few years later the men decided that Goldenrod was beneath their dignity and tried to adopt a flowering tree to be the State's blossom. Of course the women won again - apparently there was no contest when it comes to women and a choice of flower!
Traditional use
With more than fifty species native to the Americas, Goldenrod sets the landscape aflame when it raises its golden plumes at the end of summer. Lighting up fields and meadows in a blaze of sunny yellow, this cheerful herb owes its genus name “solidago” to the Latin “solidare”, meaning “to make whole”.
Goldenrod has been a staple in the medicine cabinet of Native American Indians for millennia, where the whole plant was used in a variety of applications. The roots were used for burns, flower tea for fevers and snakebites and crushed flowers were used for sore throats. It was also used as an anti-inflammatory and to strengthen and support urinary function.
Typical use
Goldenrod (Blue Mountain) Tea: Add boiling water to 2 - 3 tsps of dried herb. Steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Goldenrod Tincture: Traditionally Taken 2-3ml taken 2-3 times per day, or as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.
Constituents
Goldenrod contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, astragalin and rutoside), anthocyanidins, triterpene saponins, glycosides, lactones phenolic acids and a small amount of essential oil.
Precautions
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. May cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.
