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Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea) in Full Bloom
showing one reason it gets the name Herb of Joy
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aka Goldruth, Wound Wort
Solidago vigaurea / Solidago virgaurea
Family: ASTERACEAE
Habitat:
Golden Rod is a bundle of golden joy. The flowers reflect exactly what it does for a clients disposition.
When life feels glum and negative or a client has been under a lot of emotional stress or had an emotional shock, it is one of the first remedies I suggest as it lifts the spirits quickly.
Golden Rod has so many benefits to correct ailments and the function of organs that a bonus of taking it is that the whole system becomes healthy.
Golden Rod
[1] comes from Europe including England Central Asia. North America and now in Australia. There are over eighty different species, but this species is the only one native to England.
The part used is the leaves (aerial parts) which make a delicious herbal tea fresh or dried.
We make up a delicious tea by using the dried leaves of Golden Rod and adding some dried Allspice. It tastes just like a rich Chai tea and makes for a wonderful combination tea.
The leaves are alternate, clear green and has terminal panicles of golden yellow flowers which are both ray and disk. The flowers can be used as a dye.
This magnificent herb stands over 2 metres tall at Middle Path and brightens the space with its brilliant golden yellow flowers in Autumn.
Propagation is by seed or division of the roots which form as spreading rhizomes. Golden Rod loves full sun and is much better planted in an area that it can spread its wings as it can become temporarily invasive but very easy to pull out.
Golden Rod is an excellent food plant for the larvae of various Lepidoptera species. The invading larvae sometimes induce the plant to form a bulbous tissue mass (called a gall) around it, upon which the larva then feeds.
The rich and vibrant golden glow from the flowers
will cheer any space up
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An abundant amount of nectar is produced from Golden Rod so this wonderful herb would be excellent near a bee hive as it makes a dark and strong, nutritious honey.
Golden Rod in some places is highly respected and is held as a sign of good luck or good fortune and yet are considered as weeds by others. There is a saying beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Golden Rods are mostly short-day plants and bloom in late summer and early autumn and some species produce abundant nectar when moisture is plentiful before bloom, and the bloom period is relatively warm and sunny. Honey from goldenrods often is dark and strong due to admixtures of other nectars. However when there is a strong honey flow, a light (often water white), spicy-tasting honey is produced. While the bees are ripening the honey there is a rank odour and taste, but finished honey is much milder. |
The flowers are such a bright golden yellow that it is a joy to have them around and as a cut flower they last well over a week. This is not the only reason that Golden Rod is called the herb of joy.
Well known for its calming effect Golden Rod is used for treating depression and the nervous system and gives you a feeling of wellbeing and joy.
The profound healing, soothing, calming effects of Golden Rod especially on the kidneys which work off all our emotions, saves the kidneys from being battered after severe emotional stress of any kind.
Golden Rod is certainly the herb of joy and can bring you much comfort.
The generic name comes from the word solidare, for the plant is known as a vulnerary, or one that "makes whole". When the leaves are bruised they smell like wild carrot.
The Herb of Joy - another of natures depression-busters - it is near impossible to look upon Golden Rod when in flower and feel despondent, the tea and the tincture have a similar effect on the spirit when taken internally
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- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bites
- Bladder stones
- Catarrh
- Cirrhosis of the kidneys
- Coughs
- Cuts
- Cystitis
- Depression
- Diarrhoea
- Diphtheria
- Disappointment
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- Eczema
- Edema
- Emotional shock
- Emotional stress
- Flatulence
- Gallstones
- Gout
- Gum disease
- Hay fever
- Haemorrhaging
- Indigestion
- Infection
- Influenza
- Intestinal bleeding
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- Kidneys
- Kidney Stones
- Laryngitis
- Menstruation (excessive)
- Menstruation (painful)
- Nausea
- Renal failure
- Rheumatism
- Sinusitis
- Stomach disorders
- Throat (as a
gargle )
- Ulcers
- Venereal diseases
- Wounds
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Dosage
The dosage is 1 teaspoon of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water let stand for 20 minutes and drink one cup 3 times per day.
Dose for taking a Herbal Tincture is 1.5 mls 3 times per day.
Contra-indications[7]: Some people may develop a mild allergic reaction to this herb. Do not use goldenrod if you are allergic to it. Side effects can include heartburn.
People with the following conditions should ask their doctor before taking goldenrod:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Osteoporosis
- Allergy to Ragweed
- Fluid retention due to heart or lung issues
Do not take goldenrod if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have heart or kidney disease.
Golden rod can quickly mass into
into a joyous impenetrable thicket
which the bees love
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Golden Rod leaves contain
- bitter astringent principals
- citric acid
- essential oil
- flavonoids
- polyacetylenes
- salicylic acid
- tannins
- saponins
- tartaric acid
- oxalic acid
Other constituents found in Golden Rod [8]
- astragalin
- caffeic-acid
- chlorogenic-acid
- inulin
- isoquercitrin
- quercetin
- quinic-acid
- rutin
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Gloden Rod tea
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Golden Rod tea
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Why choose a Herbal Tea?
Plants produce a vast range of substances -
phyto-chemical s - which are very beneficial in restoring and maintaining health in we humans without side-effects. We believe that they are perfectly suited to preventative and curative health care because they are natural and harmonious to our bodies.
If you do not have fresh Golden Rod nearby or are not confident you can identify Golden Rod then dried material is the next best way to obtain their beneficial influence.
How long will Golden Rod tea keep it's potency?
Stored properly - in an air-tight glass container away from direct sunlight - Golden Rod tea will keep for up to 18 months without losing it's potency. If you are dealing with the onset of a severe condition we suggest it may be worth purchasing fresh material to have complete confidence in its healing potency.
When should I drink my Tea?
For best absorption, consume herbal teas 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.
Caring for your Golden Rod herbal tea
If you don't plan on using the tea immediately, it's best to keep it unopened and away from direct sunlight (in a closed cupboard or drawer). Exposed to the air it may absorb moisture and humidity, so if they are opened, reseal them tightly, or (preferably) put it in a glass jars with a tight-fitting lid (avoid metal containers).
Most will never require refrigeration or freezing - just keep them at average room temperature (70-80 degrees). Generally, the "shelf-life" for optimum freshness will be about a year if stored properly.
If you live in a warm, high humidity area, it may be impossible to keep moisture out of regularly opened and closed glass containers, and the plants may become mouldy. If this happens, discard them and purchase fresh ones. To prevent mould, try storing them in paper lunch bags so they can “breathe” (although this will reduce the shelf-life significantly).
Making an Infusion
pour a cup after it has infused
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Preparing an infusion is just like making a cup of tea but allowing more time for the water to absorb the Golden Rod essence.
Pour boiling water over the tea (use a glass, stainless steel or ceramic vessel), cover it and allow to soak/steep for 20 minutes or so. Stirring it a few times while steeping is helpful - and is an ideal opportunity to focus your mind on the benefits it will bring to you.
Generally use 1 teaspoon of dried Golden Rod in a 250ml cup of water is sufficient. The standard dosage is one teacup (250ml), two or three times daily.
For convenience, your entire day's dosage can be prepared at night (2-3 cups at one time) and left overnight and then refrigerated for use throughout the day. You can drink it cold or heat it if you want it warm.
Making a Decoction
Because some tea (with bark, stems or roots in them) contains tough, woody material, a decoction is the recommended method for making your medicine.
Instead of just soaking it in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer period of time to soften the thicker woody pieces and release its active constituents.
Use a ceramic, glass or enamel pot with a snug fitting lid, if you don't have one then a stainless steel pot is good but definitely not aluminium or teflon.
Add the amount of herb needed (1 teaspoon per 250ml of water) to the proper amount of cold water in the pot depending on how many doses you wish to prepare.
Turn the heat to medium high and bring to a vigorous boil then put the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle but cheerful simmer for 20 minutes.
If you can see steam escaping or smell the aroma of the herb, your lid is not tight enough and valuable essential oils may be escaping.
After 20 minutes, remove from heat and cool slightly, for maximum potency we encourage you to let it stand overnight.
Strain the mixture through a tea strainer into a wide-necked bottle, jug or cup, making sure to press on the material in the strainer with a spoon or similar to get as much of the liquid/decoction out of the material as possible.
Standard dosages for decoction are generally one-half to one cup, two or three times daily.
A day's dosage can be prepared the prior evening (2-3 cups at one time), allowed to continue to soak while it cools overnight to ensure maximum potency and refrigerated until ready to use throughout the next day.
Is it Safe for me to take Golden Rod Tincture? If you have any concerns or apprehensions please use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service so that we can make sure that what you want is completely safe for your situation or condition.
We especially encourage you to get in touch if you have any of the following health problems or conditions:
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Are preganant or breast-feeding
- Blood clotting problems
- Cancer
- Diabetes
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- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Immune system problems
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- Liver problems
- Psychiatric problems
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke
- Thyroid problems
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You have two options when you purchase Golden Rod tincture:
- For external use which you can apply externally to the soles of your feet or topically on an external condition - you can purchase these without a consultation.
- For internal use. If you wish to take it internally because of the potency of these tinctures you need to be sure they will not cause complications with an existing health condition or prescribed drugs you may be taking.
Golden Rod tincture
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If you are in any doubt about the possibility Golden Rod tincture causing complications with prescription drugs or a medical condition you may have please get in touch so that we can advise you on the suitability of a particular tincture.
Especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
You can have an online consultation or visit our clinic for a thorough consultation if you wish to purchase our potent tinctures for internal use.
There are fewer concerns when using Golden Rod tincture externally and our many years of experience has shown that the tincture is just as effective being applied into the soles of the feet or applied
topically
on external conditions where they will be absorbed into your system.
Our clients who have come for a consultation use the same tincture internally and we recommend they take half an eyedropper (about 1.5ml) of herbal tincture in a small glass of water three times per day for adults and a quarter of an eyedropper in a small glass of water for children.
Golden Rod tincture is a potent liquid extract made from organic Golden Rod. It is a concentrated way of getting herbal medicine into your body easily especially applying them to the soles of your feet. Once a tincture is prepared, it has an extremely long shelf life. Tinctures should be kept in a cool, dark cupboard to maintain their potency.
If you are on any prescribed medication we strongly advise you to use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service to make sure that the medication and potent Golden Rod tincture are compatible.
making medicine for internal use
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How to Use Golden Rod Tincture internally
How do I prepare my Golden Rod Tincture?
Just add the recommended dosage - which is usually 1.5ml or one eyedropperfull - to a glass of drinking water or any other cold drink.
Then drink it.
When should I drink my Golden Rod Tincture?
For best absorption, consume herbal tinctures 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.
How to Use our Tinctures externally
how to apply a tincture to the soles of your feet
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If you are treating an external condition - such as a skin infection - then simply apply the tincture directly to the site using the eyedropper or a suitable swab.
If you are treating an internal condition then the best way to get the tincture into your body is through the soles of your feet. The skin is a highly absorptive organ and the feet have the reflexology facility which helps get the healing properties of the herbs right to the place inside you where they will do the most good.
If you don't have someone to do it for you, the easiest way we've found is to apply it sitting down. Rest one foot on your other leg's thigh (use a towel to make sure the tincture doesn't drip on your furniture or clothes), squirt a small amount of tincture onto the palm of one hand (about 1.5ml or half an eyedropper), rub it gently into the sole of your foot. In most cases you will find it has been absorbed within 30 seconds or so - you'll know when your foot feels dry. Then do the same to your other foot and the treatment is complete.
Golden Rod history
gathering Golden Rod in antiquity
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Golden Rod is certainly the herb of joy and can bring you much comfort.
The generic name comes from the word solidare, for the plant is known as a vulnerary, or one that "makes whole". When the leaves are bruised they smell like wild carrot.
Goldenrod has a long traditional history of medicinal use in northern America
[9] . The fresh blossoms of Goldenrod were slowly chewed by the Zunis to relieve sore throats. Cherokees used the entire plant. A tea was made from the blossoms to be used as a diaphoretic, the root was dried and ground to be used in poultices for insect bites, swelling and inflammations. The leaves, which are both a diuretic and a stimulant, were used to treat intestinal and urinary tract disorders.
This special plant was also a valuable battlefield remedy and was used in treating open wounds because of its ability to staunch the flow of blood.
Solidago virgaurea L COMPOSITAE
Golden Rod
The common name refers to the herb's appearance. It is an attractive plant and has been taken into cultivation as a useful late-flowering ornamental.
The herb is not certainly mentioned in ancient writings and there is evidence that it was particularly promoted by the Arabs in the Middle Ages, since to fifteenth and sixteenth century Italians it was known as Erba pagana and the Germans called it Consolida Saracenia. Golden Rod has principally been used as a wound herb, hence the name consolida from the Latin to make whole - and hence its generic name. Traditionally it was employed both externally and internally. Clarke introduced an extract of the fresh flowers to homeopathic medicine in igo2, and in 1949 it was discovered by Hager that Brazilians used the closely related herb S. microcosms DC as a wound plant, too.
Description Erect perennial to 1 m tall; on knotted rhizome. Stems usually sparsely branched, sometimes unbranched. Leaves alternate, pubescent, the basal ones obovate to oblanceolate and petiolate, to 10 cm long. Upper leaves smaller and becoming sessile. Leaves either dentate or entire. Flowers golden-yellow, to 15 mm wide, arranged in terminal panicles; appearing late summer to late autumn.
Distribution Native to Europe, North Africa and Asia. Introduced elsewhere. In woodland clearings, wood edges, grassland; on deep porous acid and calcareous soils, to 2800 m altitude.
Cultivation Wild plant. Propagated horticulturally by division in spring or autumn, or from seed sown in spring. Prefers open conditions, and soils which are not too rich.
Constituents Essential oil; flavonoids; tannins; saponins; various organic acids comprising mainly citric, tartaric and oxalic acids; unknown substances.
Uses(dried flowering plant) antiinflammatcry; expectorant; vulnerary; astringent; weakly diuretic.
Of much use applied externally in poultices or ointments to assist tissue healing; used internally for the same purpose, and also in urinogenital inflammations or to treat chronic skin problems.
Formerly taken as an adjuvant (assisting agent) with other remedies, of benefit in asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.
Rarely used in cases of diarrhoea. Its ability to reduce cholesterol levels is not clinically substantiated.
Contra- indications
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Golden Rod cultivation
Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea) in full bloom growing wild on a roadside in the a Sunshine Coast
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Goldenrod is a hardy tenacious plant with cylindrical roots
[10] . This root structure allows the plant to bury deep into all kinds of soils. Thus the plant grows successfully in the dry earth found in woodlands, it can grow well among bushes in waste areas, and it grows successfully on dunes and among rocks. The hardy roots of the plant allow the plant to extend its range right up to the mountainous regions in many temperate countries.
Goldenrod is a very easy plant to grow on any moderately fertile, moisture rich and retentive soils. It is tolerant of full sunlight through to semi-shade and does best in in heavy clay soils.
It has been described as a greedy plant and can quickly use up all the soil nutrients at the site it is growing on whereupon it starts to die out a characteristic which prevents it from becoming an invasive threat to the environment.
Goldenrod plants tend to attract a lot of beneficial insect species including beetles like ladybirds, lacewings as well as hoverflies when grown in the garden. Since these insects feed on other insects they help control insect pests inside the garden as a whole and benefit all plants in the area.
Goldenrod herb can be propagated using seeds sown in spring. The seedbed must remain moist and the seeds need to be lightly covered with soil in the seed bed. If mature plants are available root cuttings are probably the preferred method for quickly establishing new plants.
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