Solidago virgaurea Root European Goldenrod
Solidago virgaurea
Precautions: In chronic kidney disorders, a practitioner should be consulted.
Also known as- Solidago gigantean, Solidago Canadensis, Canadian goldenrod, Julia's Goldenrod, and Salebrosa Goldenrod.
In folk medicine, goldenrod was used to treat such diverse conditions as rheumatism, gout, diabetes, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, enlarged prostate, asthma, enlarged liver, tuberculosis, mouth and throat infections, and festering wounds. Unfortunately, its effectiveness for treating these conditions has never been proven.
Goldenrod is an aquaretic agent (promotes the loss of water from the body) most frequently used to treat urinary tract inflammation and to prevent the development of kidney stones. Goldenrod's aquaretic effects combined with both antimocrobila and anti-inflammatory properties allow this herb to be used in connection with a variety conditions which include the following: Bladder inflammation; Arthritis; Allergies; Colds and flu; Kidney stones; Laryngitis (as a gargle); Sore throats.
Introduction: The same goldenrod that causes autumn allergies for millions has been used for centuries as n herbal medication by millions more. The botanical name Solidago comes from the Latin term solidare, 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.
Constituents: Flavonoids, including kaempferol, rhamnetin, quercetin, quercitrin, astragalin, and afzetin; also saponins, essential oil, germacrene, pinene, limonene, hydoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, and tannins.
Parts Used: The above-ground parts of the plant, ground and chopped.
Typical Preparations: Traditionally used as a tea, sometimes available in tea bags. The tea should be drunk between meals. May also be taken as a capsule or extract.
Summary: The traditional use of goldenrod was to treat kidney stones. GrieveÃs Modern Herbal notes that that in 1788 a boy of ten, after taking the infusion for some months, passed quantities of gravel, fifteen large stones weighing up to 40 grams (1-1/4 ounce), and fifty over the size of a pea. The flavonoids and saponins in the herb help relieve inflammation throughout the urinary tract while acting as a mild diuretic.
Precautions: Do not use during acute attacks of kidney stones.
