Goldenrod is a perennial plant, native to Europe and Asia, but naturalized in North America. It is a hardy plant, growing in pastures and along mountainsides. The botanical name Solidago comes from the Latin term “solidare,” which means “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. 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.

You may know goldenrod best as a yellow wildflower, but it’s also a popular ingredient in herbal supplements and teas.

The herb’s Latin name is Solidago, which means “to make whole or heal” and reflects its use in traditional herbal medicine.

Goldenrod is most often used as a supplement for improving urinary health and reducing inflammation.

This article reviews the potential benefits, dosage information, and precautions for goldenrod.

What is goldenrod?

Goldenrod grows in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. It flourishes in roadside ditches and fields and is often considered a weed.

The plant’s yellow flowers bloom in late summer and early fall. It cross-pollinates easily with other plants, so there are more than 100 different species of goldenrod. Many of these are thought to have similar health properties.

Solidago virgaurea — sometimes called European goldenrod — is probably the best-studied species in terms of its health benefits. It has uses in both traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine in some European countries (1Trusted Source).

To reap its benefits, people consume the parts of the plant that grow above ground — particularly the flowers and leaves (2Trusted Source).

You can buy goldenrod as a tea or dietary supplement as well. The tea may have a somewhat bitter aftertaste, and some prefer it lightly sweetened.

Health Benefits of Goldenrod

You know it’s late summer when you see the beautiful and stately goldenrod plant gracing our yards, meadows, and waste spaces. It mixes in so beautifully with Joe-Pye weed, queen Anne’s lace, and loostrife. I am among the many who grew up thinking goldenrod was ragweed (learn about their differences here) and responsible for the late summer and early fall allergies. Sometime ago I learned that this was a myth and only a few years ago I learned how amazing this plant really is, and about all the health benefits of goldenrod.

There’s so much to say about goldenrod that it’s hard to know where to begin. I embarked on a journey to learn about this plant shortly after completing my clinical herbal apprentice program and today it has become an ally and a staple in my home. I enjoy learning about the plants that are all around me and easily accessible, a true believer that Mother Nature gives us what we need.

The Health Benefits of Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago canadenis, S. odora, S. vigaurea, and many others) is part of the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. The pollen is sticky and heavy so it doesn’t float into the air and insects pollinate the plant instead of wind. The properties of goldenrod are similar to many other herbs: anti-fungal, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, astringent, antiseptic, and carminative. However, the actions of goldenrod to the kidneys, urinary track, skin, allergies, and cardiovascular system are impressive.

The aerial part of the plant is used and is harvested late summer into early fall before the flowers are in full bloom. There are many varieties of goldenrod and although I have not heard or experienced any adverse effects, it’s best to research the plant when in doubt.

Preparations of goldenrod include tea, tincture, infused oils, poultice, and powder. Follow your directions for making these preparations.

Bladder, Urinary Tract, & Kidneys

Goldenrod has a history for use with the bladder and urinary system. The astringent and antiseptic qualities tighten and tone the urinary system and bladder making it useful for UTI infections. The German Commission E has officially approved goldenrod for urinary and bladder inflammations. It is a kidney troop-restorative (tropho is Greek for nourishing), so it both nourishes and restores balance to the kidneys. According to Peter Homes, it is a good choice for long term use with chronic issues to this area of the body.

The Skin

The Latin name solid ago means to make whole. The flowers and the leaves can be infused with oil or used as a poultice for wounds and burns. The infused oil combines well with plantain, yarrow, and St. John’s wort for a nice wound healing skin salve. It also makes a nice rub for tired achey muscles and arthritis pain.

Seasonal Allergies & Colds

Goldenrod often takes the rap for the inconspicuous ragweed plant but goldenrod is actually a nice antidote for seasonal ragweed allergies. Its astringent property calms runny eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that comes with late summer and early fall allergies. I have used goldenrod tincture successfully for my ragweed allergies for two years.

Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make this a good choice for sore throats.  As an expectorant, goldenrod can expel mucous easily from the lungs. Try it infused with honey or as a tea with honey added. The diaphoretic property of goldenrod helps to open pores of the skin to release sweat during a fever.

Antioxidant

For a period of time in the U.S., goldenrod was known as Blue Mountain Tea. When I first tried making a tea from goldenrod, I was expecting something pungent and challenging in flavor and was delightfully surprised to find it to have an agreeable taste. In any case, it is a good source of the constituent rutin, a powerful flavonoid that benefits the cardiovascular system. Rutin has the ability to support circulation for the cardiovascular system as well as to increase capillary strength. Some say it is higher in anti-oxidants than green tea!