Goldenrod
Also listed as: Aaron's rod; European goldenrod; Solidago canadensis; Solidago virgaurea
Overview
Historically, goldenrod (
Solidago canadensis
or
Solidago virgaurea
) has been used topically for wound healing. The name solidago means "to make whole."
In traditional medical practices, goldenrod is 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 to help "flush out" kidney stones and stop inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Laboratory studies have found that active compounds in goldenrod help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, fight infections and cancer, 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 - 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. However, allergic contact dermatitis has been reported when coming in contact with goldenrod.
Parts Used
The above ground parts of the goldenrod plant are dried and used for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Goldenrod has the ability to flush water from the body, along with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (ability to fight infection) properties. It is used by herbalists for a wide range of health problems, including:
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Arthritis
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Allergies
-
Colds and flu
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Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract
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Kidney stones
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Laryngitis
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Sore throats
Topical applications may aid in wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema. Never use herbal products on open wounds.
Available Forms
Goldenrod may be taken in a variety of forms, including the dried herb (for teas, capsules), 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:
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Tea: Place 2 - 3 tsp of dried herb in one cup of hot water and let stand for 10 -15 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times daily.
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Gargle: Make the tea described above, and gargle 3 times daily.
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Fluid extract (1:1) in 25 % ethanol: Take 0.5 - 2 mL, 2 - 3 times daily.
-
Tincture (1:5) in 45 % ethanol: Take 2 - 4 mL, 2 - 3 times daily.
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 components 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 qualified health care provider trained in the field of botanical medicine.
Goldenrod is generally considered safe. Some individuals may develop a mild allergic reaction to the herb. Do not use if you have a known allergy to goldenrod.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women and 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.
Supporting Research
Apati P, Szentmihalyi K, Kristo ST, Papp I, Vinkler P, Szoke E, Kery A. Herbal remedies of Solidago -- correlation of phytochemical characteristics and antioxidative properties.
J Pharm Biomed Anal
. 2003;32(4-5):1045-53.
Apati P, Houghton PJ, Kite G, Steventon GB, Kery A. In-vitro effect of flavonoids from Solidago canadensis extract on glutathione S-transferase.
J Pharm Pharmacol
. 2006;58(2):251-6.
Blumenthal M, ed.
The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines
. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:139-140.
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds.
Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs
. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:178-181.
Brinker F.
Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions
. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998:77-78.
el-Ghazaly M, Khayyal MT, Okpanyi SN, Arens-Corell M. Study of the anti-inflammatory activity of
Populus tremula
,
Solidago virgaurea
and
Fraxinus excelsior
.
Arzneimittelforschung
. 1992;42(3):333-336.
Jiang T, Huang BK, Qin LP. A survey of chemical and pharmacological studies on Solidago.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao
. 2006;4(4):430-5.
Klein-Galczinsky C. [Pharmacological and clinical effectiveness of a fixed phytogenic combination of trembling poplar (
Populus tremula
), true goldenrod (
Solidago virgaurea
) and ash (
Fraxinus excelsior
) in mild to moderate rheumatic complaints.] [in German].
Wien Med Wochenschr
. 1999;149(8-10):248-253.
Meyer B, Schneider W, Elstner EF. Antioxidative properties of alcoholic extracts from
Fraxinus excelsior
,
Populus tremula
and
Solidago virgaurea
.
Arzneimittelforschung
. 1995;45(2):174-176.
Miller LG, Murray WJ, eds.
Herbal Medicinals: A Clinician's Guide
. New York, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1998.
Morel AF, Dias GO, Porto C, Simionatto E, Stuker CZ, Dalcol II. Antimicrobial activity of extractives of Solidago microglossa.
Fitoterapia
. 2006;77(6):453-5.
Robbers JE, Tyler VE.
Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals
. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:90-92.
Schatzle M, Agathos M, Breit R. Allergic contact dermatitis from goldenrod (
Herba solidaginis
) after systemic administration.
Contact Dermatitis
. 1998 Nov;39(5):271-272.
Thiem B, Goslinska O. Antimicrobial activity of Solidago virgaurea L. from in vitro cultures.
Fitoterapia
. 2002;73(6):514-6.
von Kruedener S, Schneider W, Elstner EF. A combination of
Populus tremula
,
Solidago
virgaurea
and
Fraxinus excelsior
as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drug. A short review.
Arzneimittelforschung
. 1995;45(2):169-171.
Weber RW. Goldenrod.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol
. 2003;91(6):A6.
Yarnell E. Botanical medicines for the urinary tract.
World J Urol
. 2002;20(5):285-93.
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Review Date:
1/17/2007
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Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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