Goldenrod
Solidago spp.
Latin Name: Solidago spp.
Common Name: Gold ruthe, woundwort, Aaron’s Rod, Solidago
Family: Asteraceae
Contraindications: Do not consume if pregnant or chestfeeding. May cause allergic reaction to people sensitive to Asteraceae family.
Native To: Native to north america, south america, Europe, and Asia.
Botanical Description: herbaceous perennials in the aster family with up to 120 species and numerous cultivars. It displays small, bright yellow flowers in dense clusters on top of tall stems from July through September.
Habitat: meadows, prairies, woodlands, thickets, and swamps
Parts Used: Root, Leaf, Early Flowering Tops, Seeds
Key Constituents: Flavonoids, Glycosides, Saponins, tannins, bitters, essential oils
Herbal Actions:
Leaves and Flowering Tops: Anti-helmentic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Antiseptic, Febrifuge, Stimulant
Seeds: Anticoagulant, Astringent, and Carminative
Roots: Sedative
Taste: Bitter, Pungent
Energetics: Warming, Drying
Some Ways To Work With This Plant:
UTI Support — Goldenrod’s leaves and flowering tops have diuretic properties that help to flush out impurities whil it’s ability to soothe and tone urinary tract reduce the discomfort and swelling associated with UTIs.
Colds/Flu/Allergies — Goldenrod leaves and flowers have a flavanoid named quercetin which is an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. This support goldenrod’s ability to dry up congestion caused by colds, flus, and allergies.
Herbal Preparations:
Tea —
Add ****2tsp to 1 cup of boiled water. Cover and let steep for 20 mins. Strain and drink up to 3x/day.
UTI Tea: 1 tbs goldenrod flower and leaf, 1 tbs marshmallow root, 2 tbsp corn silk, 1.5 tbs uva-ursi leaf. Grind uva-ursi leaf and add it to a pot with marshmallow root and 4 cups of water. Simmer covered for 20 mins. Turn off heat and add corn silk and goldenrod. Cover and let steep until the tea cools to room temp. Strain and drink.
Tincture—
1 part fresh flower to 2 parts 95% alcohol
1 part dry flower to 4 parts 60% alcohol
Dosage: 2-4 dropperful 3x/day
Allergy Tincture: 2 parts goldenrod leaves and flowers, 2 parts elderflower, 1 part yarrow flower, 1 part nettle leaf
Oxymel —
Chop up fresh leaves and flowers and pack into a jar. Add equal parts apple cider vinegar and honey to cover all the plant matter. Cover and let it sit for 4 weeks. Strain, bottle up, and store in fridge.
References:
Blankespoor, J. Goldenrod Benefits: The Bee’s Knees for Allergies, Sinus Infections, and Urinary Tract Infections. Chesnut School of Herbal Medicine: Goldenrod, 2023.
Salmón, E. Iwígara: The Kinship of Plants and People.Timber Press, 2020
Wood, M. The Earthwise Herbal, Volume I: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books, 2008
written by khadija khansia
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use with caution and consult with a doctor or herbalist before consuming if you are pregnant or on other medications. Please do your own research before consuming to know if this medicine is right for your body.
