Goldenrod Solidago spp.

Goldenrod - Solidago spp. (in the Asteraceae or Aster family)

Parts used: Aerial parts in the bud stage.

Taste/smell: Slightly bitter, aromatic with floral aroma.

Tendencies: Slightly warming and drying.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 tablespoon per cup of water; or 1:0.9 fresh + dry strength liquid extract: 10-50 drops 1-4 times per day.

Mental picture and specific indications: Goldenrod is indicated for mental weakness, physical exhaustion, chilliness alternating with heat, sub-acute nasopharyngeal catarrh and acute or subacute kidney infections or debilitated, chronically inflamed kidneys.

Use: (a) Astringent, (b) Stimulating diaphoretic, (c) Diuretic, (d) Antiseptic, (e) Anti-inflammatory, (f) Analgesic.

It is used for influenza, repeated colds, bronchitis with purulent expectoration, tonsillitis, sinusitis and allergies.

Contraindications: A qualified health care practitioner should be consulted before using goldenrod if chronic kidney disorders are present. Since the diuretic effect causes mainly water, not salt, to be excreted, it is contraindicated in edema from heart failure or kidney failure.

Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.