The
roots are astringent and aquaretic (promoting water loss without the excretion
of electrolytes such as salt), with a history of use as a soothing kidney tonic
and for dissolving kidney stones. The above ground parts, however, are the parts
most commonly used. These the
German Commission E approves for the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the
urinary tract, kidney stones and calculi of the urinary tract.
Canada Goldenrod and Giant Goldenrod are the only approved species,
though this may be because these are the only species with which Commission has
any familiarity. Most herbalists
consider all or most of the species to medicinal, though proportions of
constituents may vary.
Use
the dried leaves topically as a styptic (to stop bleeding).
The upper parts are also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and carminative.
Goldenrod can be highly effective for catarrh (inflammation of mucous
membranes, especially sinuses, that leads to congestion) from a variety of
causes such as colds, flu and bronchitis. We often blame Goldenrod pollen for
allergic reactions in people, but Goldenrod pollen is actually too heavy to
travel far, and is seldom implicated when actual allergy testing takes place.
Its carminative properties make it useful in the treatment of ulcers or
indigestion. The saponins in Goldenrod have also shown themselves to be highly
effective against Candida yeast infections.
Dosage is from 2 –5 ml of the tincture or one tablespoon of the herb in
tea, three times daily. For
treatment of urinary tract gravel, one must maintain a copious fluid intake.
OTHER
USES:
All species contain amounts of latex, the raw material of rubber.
The plants yield a yellow dye that varies in shade depending on the
mordant type and strength.
