Historically, goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), also called European goldenrod, has been used topically for wound healing; in fact, the name Solidago means "to make whole." 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 addition to wound healing, goldenrod has traditionally been used externally to relieve inflammation of the mouth and throat. It may also ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

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 to 7 feet. Its yellow flowers, which generally appear in August and September, are only about ¼-inch wide but come in profuse 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.

The above ground parts of the plants are dried and used for medicinal purposes.

The ability of goldenrod to flush water from the body, combined with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, makes it useful for a wide range of conditions including:

• Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract
• Kidney stones
• Influenza
• Upper respiratory congestion
• Arthritis
• Periodontal disease
• Some gastrointestinal disorders

Topical applications may aid in wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema. Goldenrod may also be used as a gargle for laryngitis or sore throats.

Goldenrod may be taken in a variety of forms, including tea, tincture, or fluid extract.

Pediatric

There are no scientific reports to date about the use of goldenrod in children.

Adult

Recommended adult doses are as follows:

• Tea: Place 2 to 3 tsp of dried herb in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink. Take three times per day.

• Gargle: Make the tea described above, and gargle with it three times per day.

• Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: Take 0.5 to 2 mL two to three times per day.

• Tincture (1:5) in 45% ethanol: Take 2 to 4 mL two to three times per day.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day when taking this herb.

Goldenrod is generally considered safe and has no known side effects. However, you should not use this herb if you have impaired heart or kidney function.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with your physician before taking any medication, including herbs.

To date there are no known reports in the literature of any noteworthy interactions (either positive or negative) between goldenrod and conventional medications.

Bisset NG, ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1994:530-533.

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, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:178-181.

Dean C. Goldenrod (Solidago). Wildflowers of Alabama. Accessed at www.auburn.edu/~deancar/wfnotes/gldrd.htm on November 13, 2000.

Duke J, Ayensu E. Medicinal Plants of China. Algonac, Mich: Reference Publications; 1985.

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.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al., eds. PDR for Herbal Medicine. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998.

Hoffman DL. Golden Rod. Herbal Materia Medica. Accessed at www.healthy.net/library/books/hoffman/materiamedica/goldenrod.htm on November 13, 2000.

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.

Kowalchik C, Hylton WH, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press; 1997:230-231.

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.

Plohmann B, Bader G, Hiller K, Franz G. Immunomodulatory and antitumoral effects of triterpenoid saponins. Pharmazie. 1997;52(12):953-957.

Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:90-92.

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.