Goldenrod is as spectacular as a branch of solid gold, and this is the exact meaning of the scientific name of this beautiful mountain plant: Solidago virgaurea. When the goldenrod is in full bloom, it exhibits its dense spikes of golden heads, which are the ones used in phytotherapy for their medicinal properties.
What is the plant like?
Goldenrod is a perennial plant, between 10 and 80 cm high, with an erect and poorly branched stem. Its leaves are oval-lanceolate in shape, sharp and toothed. And the flower heads, its most showy part, are arranged in dense clusters that contain beautiful tubular flowers.
Properties of goldenrod
Among the active ingredients of goldenrod, the flavonoids, saponosides, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, coumarins and tannins stand out. This composition explains its traditional use and is responsible for the following health properties being attributed to it.
Herbalists use goldenrod primarily as a mild diuretic plant and urinary antisepticrecommended against all types of minor ailments that affect the urinary ducts and the correct functioning of the kidneys.
In other European countries, diaphoretic, anti-cold and antimicrobial properties are also attributed to it, and it is recommended in case of cold, flu processes and respiratory congestion.
This means that goldenrod and remedies that include goldenrod are used for:
- Stimulate the emission of urine, contribute to reduce uric acid levels in the blood and promote kidney stone removal. It is recommended in case of difficulty urinating, presence of edema, kidney stones, gout, high levels of uric acid and to relieve urinary tract infections, such as cystitis and urethritis.
- Take advantage of its astringent and antidiarrheal effect, as well as its anti-inflammatory and purifying action, in rheumatic problems and as an adjuvant in treatments against overweight.
- Externally, to apply on woundsskin ulcers, eczema, boils, pimples and fungi.
- In rinse, to relieve mouth sores or canker sores.
How to use
Goldenrod can be found in the form of a dried plant to make infusions, but herbalists also sell the extract in capsules, bottles of fluid extracts and tinctures.
Infusions with goldenrod
These three infusions take advantage of the properties of goldenrod to use them as natural remedies for different conditions.
1. Simple diuretic remedy
A simple diuretic formula of goldenrod can be prepared with one tablespoon of dried plant per glass of water.
How to prepare it: It is boiled for 1 minute, left to rest for 5 more minutes and taken up to four times a day, adding honey to improve the flavor.
2. For the prostate
A useful antiseptic formula to maintain prostate health is one that combines equal parts goldenrod, bearberry and cranberry leaves, plus echinacea root.
How to prepare it: You need one liter of water for three tablespoons of the mixture. Boil for 2 minutes, infuse and strain. You can drink it throughout the day, in small sips.
3. For skin with acne
We present to you an effective formula with five plants as a supportive cure to combat acne and that is easy to make.
How to prepare it: You need goldenrod, burdock, dandelion, sarsaparilla and corn stigmas, in quantities of 20 g. The proportion is one tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water. Let it boil, add the plants, and, once off the heat, let it rest for approximately 10 minutes. It is strained and sweetened with a little honey. Three glasses are taken daily, after each meal.
Contraindications
To avoid blood pressure decompensation, those who suffer from hypertension or heart failure are warned to consult their doctor before taking this plant.
Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”