Goldenrod
is native to Europe, and there are many different species of goldenrod that possess the same medicinal properties. Frequently,
many species, such as Solidago canadenis, Solidago gigantea, Solidago serotina, Solidago odora,
Solidago nemoralis, Solidago radiata, and Solidago spathulata, along with many others are used
interchangeably with Solidago virgaurea.
Goldenrod is
used as an anti-inflammatory treatment for cystitis, urethritis, and arthritis. Goldenrod has also been used to help prevent
urolithiasis and kidney stones. Traditionally, goldenrod has been used as a diuretic.
Expert Opinion and Folkloric Precedent:
Goldenrod is commonly
used to treat upper respiratory congestion (acute or chronic) because it is thought to help thin mucus secretions and relieve
congestion.
Goldenrod is also thought to
purify the blood and is taken orally to treat gout, rheumatism, arthritis, and skin conditions such as eczema.
Goldenrod has also been used
to treat acute exacerbations of pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, hepatomegaly, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, nervous bronchial
asthma, and prostatic hypertrophy.
