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.

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.

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

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:

• Arthritis
• Allergies
• Colds and flu
• Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract
• Kidney stones
• Laryngitis
• Sore throats

Topical applications may aid in wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema. Never use herbal products on open wounds.

Goldenrod may be taken in a variety of forms, including the dried herb (for teas, capsules), tincture, or fluid extract.

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:

• 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.
• Gargle: Make the tea described above, and gargle 3 times daily.
• 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.

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.

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between goldenrod and conventional medications.

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