You may be surprised to learn there are many benefits of Goldenrod. Goldenrod is another one of those plants, like dandelions, that may be growing in your yard or garden that you would probably consider a weed.
In full bloom, goldenrod flowers are bright yellow. Despite its ability to grow almost anywhere, mimicking a weed, the goldenrod flower has many medicinal properties and is worth keeping around if you want to cultivate it for health purposes.
What is Goldenrod?
Goldenrod flower, scientifically known as Solidago canadensis or Solidago virgaurea, is part of the aster family, one of the largest flowering plant families.
There are many different species of goldenrod all over the world. Since goldenrod can crossbreed with other plants, there are at least 130 different species of goldenrod in the United States alone.
The most pervasive species in North America is Solidago virgaurea.
This herb is native to Europe, but has spread to Asia and both North and South America.
The plant is long and narrow with a single twig-like stem that can grow up to 7 feet tall.
Goldenrod is usually found along roadsides and in open fields, but they can be found in every habitat type. You may see them in woodlands, swamps, or on mountains as well.
North American and European Goldenrod is a perennial flower. Its yellow flowers usually appear in late summer and early fall, around August and September, in large clusters.
Its leaves’ edges alternate between jagged and smooth. Goldenrod pollen is said to possibly contribute to seasonal allergies the same way ragweed does, but there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence of this. Most the evidence of allergic reactions and goldenrod are cited regarding allergic contact dermatitis. Still, allergy sufferers might want to avoid this plant just to be safe.
Goldenrod has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times. The entire flower, leaves, and stem have all been used in different ways in folk medicine and are still widely used today.
This medicinal herb doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves. Much like many of the plants we have that traditional medicine hasn’t yet approved of.
10 Health Benefits of Goldenrod
The parts of this plant that grow above the ground are a source of herbal medicine.
All varieties of goldenrod are a good source of herbal treatment for various conditions.
There are many potential benefits, but the following are the most notable in test tube studies and both animal and human studies.
It’s important to note that, like anything else, goldenrod could have some side effects. Be sure to use goldenrod in moderation and only when needed.
People with hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure) should ask their doctor before taking goldenrod.
If you have a preexisting health condition, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplement or herbal medicine to your regime.
1. Reducing Pain and Inflammation
Goldenrod flowers contain flavonoid antioxidants and other plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory benefits. These antioxidants also fight against free radicals in the body.
Goldenrod is especially helpful for inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract.
This flower can be used for long-term management of chronic conditions which cause pain.
It may be a better alternative to taking prescription pain medicine, depending on your condition.
2. Mild Diuretic
Goldenrod is a mild diuretic, which means it flushes water from the body by increasing urine output. This is helpful in situations where you have excess fluid and sodium build up in your body. This is a more traditional use of goldenrod.
3. Relaxes Muscles
In some animal studies, Goldenrod was shown to relax musical spasms in smooth muscles.
Some say when used topically it helps relax nerves and tense muscles.
4. Improves Gout Symptoms
The combination of increasing urine output and reducing inflammation can be a huge help to those suffering from gout.
5. Relieves Arthritis and Joint Pain
Because of goldenrod’s anti-inflammatory activity in the body, it can decrease joint pain. Especially pain from arthritis which is an excess of chronic inflammation.
6. Treats Some Skin Conditions
When used topically, goldenrod has been shown to help with eczema and other skin conditions.
The combination of anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits help with the healing of the skin.
7. Treats Kidney Stones
Because of goldenrod’s diuretic effect, it helps flush out the kidneys, assisting with the passing and/or prevention of kidney stones.
It’s also used to treat urinary tract infections for the same reasons.
Using goldenrod for kidney stones for urinary tract infections is known as irrigation therapy.
Irrigation therapy is simply taking goldenrod with a lot of fluids to flush out your system. Consult your doctor if you have infections.
8. Treats Cold and Flu
Goldenrod is a great natural decongestant, which helps with the symptoms of cold and flu viruses. The anti-fungal properties could help kill off bacteria as well.
Goldenrod tincture can also be used as a mouth rinse for inflammation of the mouth and throat. This might help soothe a sore throat when you’re sick.
9. Helps Heal Minor Wounds
Goldenrod’s antibacterial properties may be good for healing wounds.
Powdered goldenrod leaves and roots can stop bleeding by causing tissues to contract and seal off damaged blood vessels.
You may want to seek medical advice before reaching for goldenrod for topical use on open wounds for safety.
10. Flavonoids
Flavonoids are compounds found in natural resources, such as plants, vegetables, and fruits.
The benefits of flavonoids are the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to webmd, “these antioxidants include quercetin and kaempferol, which help protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable cells that can cause chronic conditions, including several heart issues and even cancer.”
Now that you know the benefits of goldenrod, let’s look at where you can find it.
Where can I find Goldenrod?
Goldenrod can be found in the wild, probably easily located near your home. I pick mine from local fields.
If you would rather not forage for it, you have plenty of options to get your hands on this beneficial plant.
Goldenrod seeds and plants
Goldenrod plants may be found at your local plant nurseries, but not always.
It’s a very common plant, but due to its weed-like reputation, it may not be in high demand.
Thankfully, we have the internet and you can order pretty much any plant you want. You can even order a live goldenrod plant on Amazon.
Another good option is to purchase goldenrod seeds to plant on your own.
Remember to plant these in a place you would like to see them return because they will come back every year for a very long time.
Goldenrod Herbal Tea
These goldenrod handpicked herbs can be used to brew tea or for infusion in a goldenrod tincture.
You can also get goldenrod in tea bags.
Goldenrod tea will have a slightly bitter aftertaste but this is taken care of by adding a little sweetener like honey.
The goldenrod leaves and flower heads are used to make goldenrod tea and have a long history of use in herbal medicine.
Goldenrod Herbal Supplements
You can get Goldenrod supplements in various forms such as capsules, powders, and liquid extracts.
Goldenrod Essential oils
If you love essential oils, you’re in luck!
Goldenrod is also available in essential oil form for homeopathic aromatherapy or topical treatment. You can find goldenrod-infused oil from many different, reputable essential oil brands.
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
12 Health Benefits of Dandelions
No-Bake Protein Energy Balls Recipe
How Long Do Onions Last in the Pantry?
