Goldenrod Herb
Also known as
Solidago virgaureae, Solidago Canadensis, Canadian goldenrod, Julia's Goldenrod, and Salebrosa Goldenrod, Wound Wort.
Introduction
The botanical name Solidago comes from the Latin term solidare, to make whole. The plant grows 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) high, with alternating leaves and panicles of golden flowers on top. The German E Commission monograph indicates that it is used for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. Historically, it has also been used as a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory, an antiseptic, an astringent and an anti spasmodic. It grows wild in Europe, parts of Asia and North America, but most medicinal varieties are grown in Eastern Europe. In Europe it is part of a brew known as "Blue Mountain Wine". The Native Americans brewed it as a tea for sore throat and fatigue. In the Americas, after the Boston Tea Party, the colonists, having just gotten rid of their favorite beverage, made a tea of goldenrod and called it "Liberty Tea". It was also used as a dye amongst the colonists. Other legends tell that the stem could be used by some as a divining rod, and that when it grows near a house, the occupants will be granted good fortune.
Constituents
Flavonoids, including kaempferol, rhamnetin, quercetin, quercitrin, astragalin, and afzetin; also saponins, essential oil, germacrene, pinene, limonene, hydoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, and tannins.
Parts Used
The above-ground parts of the plant, ground and chopped.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea, sometimes available in tea bags. The tea should be drunk between meals. May also be taken as a capsule or extract.
Summary
The traditional use of goldenrod was to treat kidney stones. Grieve's Modern Herbal notes that in 1788 a boy of ten, after taking the infusion for some months, passed quantities of gravel, fifteen large stones weighing up to 40 grams (1-1/4 ounce), and fifty over the size of a pea. The flavonoids and saponins in the herb help relieve inflammation throughout the urinary tract while acting as a mild diuretic.
Precautions
Do not use during acute attacks of kidney stones or other kidney disorders.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
