Goldenrod: 5 common uses

A wild, golden-hued treasure, goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) heralds the end of summer in its own way with its late blooming. This majestic yellow plant deserves a moment for us to stop and watch it dance under the sun to the rhythm of the wind. Actually, all plants deserve that kind of treatment!

Did you know that it possesses wonderful medicinal properties that deserve to be better known? It can be used in infusion, maceration, or as a compress to treat vaginal infections, mend small cuts, support and tone the uterine system, and more.

Goldenrod offers us its properties, and we would greatly benefit from adopting it into our green pharmacopoeia, as it proves to be quite versatile.

Note: This column was written for the David Suzuki Foundation blog.

The 5 most common uses of goldenrod

1. Urinary system

A powerful tonic for the entire urinary system, both in acute and chronic phases, it is used in traditional herbal medicine for cystitis, urinary tract infections/inflammations, kidney disorders, edema/water retention, and urinary obstruction.

What I love about goldenrod is that it is gentle, yet no less effective.

It is therefore used in infusion (see below for how to use it), or, depending on the person, as an extract concentrated in alcohol/apple cider vinegar, for urinary issues in both children and older adults.

If your urinary infection is accompanied by blood in the urine or lower back pain, consult a doctor promptly.

2. Integumentary system

With its vulnerary action, goldenrod is a great help for skincare.

Astringent and slightly antiseptic, it helps accelerate the healing of cuts, wounds, and eczema when applied externally in compresses or as an oil/ointment.

You can make oil macerates and incorporate it into all-purpose ointment recipes.

3. Respiratory system

It helps the upper respiratory system through its astringent action in cases of rhinitis (due to its anti-catarrhal properties, it reduces mucus secretion) and allergic rhinitis (thanks to its richness in quercetin).

It can therefore be used in infusion for colds, flu, bronchitis, and situations involving abundant nasal secretions.

It is often accused of causing seasonal respiratory allergies, but it is actually ragweed that is the culprit. Goldenrod pollen is very large and heavy; it doesn't fly in the wind! In fact, goldenrod is a great ally in preventing allergy symptoms.

You can make a tincture (refer to our article on making medicinal extracts) as soon as the flowers start to show their faces. Maceration takes several weeks, so if you want your tincture ready for the start of allergy season, you'd better get to it! You can also include it in our recipe for an oxymel for seasonal allergies, yum!

4. Digestive system

Once again, its astringent action helps in cases of digestive difficulties (diarrhea). Goldenrod is also carminative, meaning it will help eliminate gas and optimize digestion. Consume as an infusion.

5. Female reproductive system

It is also effective for the female reproductive system. In cases of infections caused by candida (vulvitis, vaginitis, candida), it is used as an internal treatment by drinking the infusion, or in sitz baths and vaginal douches.

Where to find goldenrod

You can purchase this plant from an herbalist or harvest it yourself. Just look around; it is abundant at the end of summer!

When to harvest

The right time is either shortly before the buds open or at the very beginning of their flowering. Depending on where you are, August is generally a good time to harvest goldenrod. When I lived further north, I also harvested it in September. Harvest it before the flowers are too open, otherwise, they turn into fluff!

How to dry it

Cut the aerial parts and form small, not-too-dense bouquets to allow the plant to dry well. You can tie them with a piece of string and hang them "upside down," in the shade, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Once dried, it should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool place away from light.

How to use goldenrod?

• As an infusion: 3 to 5 teaspoons of dried plant per 1 cup of water (you can start with a weaker concentration and increase based on your body's response), steeped for 10-15 minutes,
• as a tincture in alcohol using the fresh aerial parts,
• as an extract in vinegar using the fresh aerial parts,
• as a macerated oil,
• as compresses or steam baths (made from a strong, concentrated infusion).

Contraindications

• Kidney failure
• Edema caused by heart or kidney failure

Warning

The information mentioned above is drawn from my studies and experiments in herbalism as well as monographs provided by the school. I am not yet a graduate. If you have a specific health condition, a concern, or a doubt, do not hesitate to consult an accredited herbalist therapist or a doctor in the case of worrying symptoms.

Happy harvesting and above all, don't forget to thank the goldenrod for its generosity and only take what you will use!

See you soon!

Estelle xx