Goldenrod is one of the most effective herbal remedies used for diseases of the bladder and kidneys. However, goldenrod is also used for inflammatory processes and for gout and rheumatism. Its effect has been proven for centuries. The Latin name Solidago means “healthy” and thus gives an indication of the healing effect.
Occurrence and cultivation of goldenrod
Most Solidago species grow in North America, although human help has allowed the plants to spread into Central Europe. About 100 different species are grouped under the term goldenrod. The herbaceous plant grows to about 1 m tall and is very perennial. The stem can be smooth or hairy and is usually very erect. The alternate leaves can also be smooth or hairy. However, the goldenrod owes its name to its bright yellow inflorescences. Countless small flower heads hold the small yellow flowers in rich umbels. Goldenrod belongs to the daisy family and is suspected of causing hay fever. At the same time, the pollen of the plant is quite sticky and cumbersome, which prevents it from flying far. Most Solidago species grow in North America, although the plants have been able to spread to Central Europe with human help. However, the goldenrod, which is used for medicinal purposes, is native to Europe. The Canadian variety, however, has similar constituents. Goldenrod prefers roadsides and dry forest meadows. The plant is perennial and appears repeatedly in the same location.
Effect and application
The ingredients of goldenrod are very diverse. Various flavonoids, triterpene saponins and phenolic glycosides are responsible for the effect. One of the most important active ingredients of goldenrod is leiocarposide. The kidney tissue in particular benefits from the healing and strengthening effect. The flavonoids stimulate the kidneys to excrete more fluid. As a result, the draining urinary tract is better flushed and bacteria have a harder time taking hold. Due to its draining effect, goldenrod can also be used for gout and rheumatism. To support the draining effect, the body should be supplied with plenty of fluid in the form of water or tea. Furthermore, the active ingredients are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and astringent. Astringents have an astringent effect and provide a protective layer over wounds and mucous membranes. This is beneficial in bladder and kidney infections, as urination is often associated with pain due to irritated urinary tract. The saponins it contains are also helpful in fungal infections, among other things. Thus, goldenrod is also effective for candida infections, thrush and vaginal infections. In this case, goldenrod can also be used as a rinse for the mouth or vagina. The medicinal plant can be used as a tea or in tablet form. As a tea, mixtures that optimize the diuretic effect are often offered in stores. In addition, Solidago is available as drops and tincture. The finished medicines with goldenrod should always be taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If goldenrod is to be used as a tea, it is recommended to slowly bring the drug to a boil with cold water. About two teaspoons are put on with a quart of water. The tea should brew only briefly, two minutes are sufficient. Throughout the day, three to five cups of tea are drunk.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Goldenrod is a remedy that can be used in many ways. Therefore, the tea should not be missing in any medicine cabinet. Since it is a mild remedy, even small children can be treated with it. In the case of an existing allergy to daisies, however, treatment should be avoided. Treatment with goldenrod should also be avoided in cases of impaired heart and kidney activity. Since no reliable results are available, treatment with goldenrod is also not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Goldenrod is very often a component of blood purification tea and can be used in a purification cure. In case of a tendency to bladder stones and kidney gravel, goldenrod is traditionally also the remedy of choice. Its effectiveness has so far only been proven in laboratory tests. Nevertheless, there are numerous field reports that support this theory.In the case of cystitis, the flushing effect is in the foreground, but this is well supported by the anti-inflammatory active ingredients. It is also worth knowing that goldenrod does not disturb the electrolyte balance by increasing water excretion, as many other dehydrating agents do. The sodium, calcium and potassium levels are thus not thrown out of balance by the use of goldenrod. In rheumatism and gout, goldenrod reduces inflammation, thereby reducing the pain that arthritis brings. Goldenrod can also be used for inflammation of the gums. Here, mouth rinses are particularly helpful. Goldenrod is also recommended for inflammation of the mucous membranes and purulent wounds, although this application has fallen a little into oblivion. Do also sore throat can be significantly improved by gargling with goldenrod. But goldenrod can also be used preventively. Especially in winter the susceptibility to infections increases. So that viral infections have no chance in the first place, goldenrod tea is a very good prophylactic measure. Studies have shown anti-tumor properties. Therefore goldenrod can also be taken as a preventive measure if diseases of the prostate are present. Another area of application is problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Goldenrod helps against diarrhea and is an effective remedy especially in case of gastrointestinal flu. Since goldenrod also has mild antipyretic and antispasmodic effects, the tea is very helpful in such an infection.
