Goldenrod - Solidago
Solidago, commonly called goldenrod, is a genus of about 100 to 120 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It has traditionally been used for fall allergies (hay fever) and as a diuretic and treatment for urinary tract problems.
Goldenrod contains glycosides and aglycones, polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpene saponins essential oils containing monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, and polyacetylenes. These substances have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, spasmolytic and antihypertensive qualities.
Goldenrod is antimicrobial against Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus flavus, Morganella morganii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Enterobacter fecalis. It is antifungal against C. albicans. This speaks to its use for UTI since the majority of infections are caused by E. coli.
It is antimutagenic.1 This study found that “S. Canadensis L. (one that I harvest) showed a promising antiproliferative effect against colorectal adenocarcinoma and acute monocytic leukemia cells.”2 Of course more research is necessary.
Tea: 1 tablespoon per cup and steep for 5-10 minutes.
Dosing: Tincture 1-5 ml 3 times a day. Cautions: This plant is generally considered safe. Allergies though, are always possible. Start slowly.
1 Antibacterial and antimutagenic activity of extracts aboveground parts of three Solidago species: Solidago virgaurea L., Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago gigantea Ait. Barbara Kołodziej1*, Radosław Kowalski2 and Bogdan Kędzia 3
2 Hasan, H. T., & Kadhim, E. J. (2022). Phytochemical investigation of Solidago Canadensis L. and its activity against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma and acute monocytic leukemia. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S9), 211–231. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS9.12212