It’s the end of summer and beginning of fall – time to fill that medicinal cabinet with the ‘to make whole’ plant – Goldenrod!
Introduction to Goldenrod & Other Names for Goldenrod
Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis spp. Latin name “to make whole“) is a bright, golden-yellow flowering plant that blooms in late summer and fall. It’s native to North America, but many species are also found across Europe and Asia. It’s often mistaken for ragweed (which actually causes seasonal allergies), goldenrod is a pollinator-friendly plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Historically, goldenrod has been valued in folk medicine for its healing properties. Indigenous peoples and early settlers used it to support urinary health, ease inflammation, and promote wound healing. It was also brewed into teas for colds, flu, and digestive issues. Because of its versatility, goldenrod has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a wide range of conditions. Hence it’s amazing Latin meaning!
Goldenrod also goes by other common names, including:
- Golden Dagger
- Woundwort (for its use in treating cuts and scrapes)
- Solidago (from its Latin name meaning “to make whole”)
- Aaron’s Rod
- Blue Mountain Tea (a folk name from Appalachia)
What is Goldenrod?
Goldenrod is a bright, golden-yellow flowering plant that blooms in late summer and fall. It’s flower clusters are long and floppy, with slender stems and alternating lance-shaped leaves. It’s known for it’s medicinal properties and is commonly mistaken for the allergy-inducing, ragweed plant.
How Can You Identify Goldenrod in the Wild?
The easiest way to identify a goldenrod plant is by it’s long hanging golden-yellow flower. Other common characteristics are it’s leaves, their alternating, lance-shaped leaves are tell-tale difference from ragweed.
Where Does Goldenrod Commonly Grow?
Goldenrod is commonly found in wild weed-filled properties, forested areas, along the sides of the road and more. Goldenrod is also grown in gardens by gardeners for their late-blooming flowers that’s beloved by insects and it’s medicinal value.
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What Are the Medicinal Benefits of Goldenrod?
There are many benefits of a goldenrod plant, here’s a quick list of the most important ones for you:
1. Supports Urinary and Kidney Health
Goldenrod is a natural diuretic, meaning it helps the body flush out excess fluids. Herbalists often recommend it to support kidney function, soothe urinary tract irritation, and help with bladder infections.
2. Eases Inflammation
Compounds in goldenrod, such as saponins and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it has been used to ease joint pain, sore muscles, and arthritis discomfort.
3. Provides Antioxidant Protection
Goldenrod is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (see more on quercetin below). This may contribute to overall immune support and long-term wellness.
4. Soothes Cold and Allergy Symptoms
Despite being unfairly blamed for hay fever (that’s ragweed’s fault!), goldenrod has actually been used to support sinus health. Goldenrod tea may help clear mucus, reduce congestion, and calm seasonal allergy symptoms.
5. Aids Wound Healing
Historically, goldenrod was applied as a poultice on cuts, bruises, and burns. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties were thought to speed up healing and reduce infection risk.
6. Supports Digestive Health
Goldenrod tea has been used traditionally to ease indigestion, bloating, and cramping thanks to its mild bitter qualities that stimulate digestion.
I should note that legally, Goldenrod is not a substitute for medical treatment. It’s best used as a supportive herb, and anyone with chronic conditions, especially kidney disease or pregnancy, should check with a healthcare provider before use.
How Has Goldenrod Plant Been Used in Traditional Herbal Medicine?
As it’s Latin name means, “to make whole”, goldenrod has a wide range of benefits. Predominately known for for urinary tract heading (such as helping heal UTI’s, and prevent kidney stones). Along with easing inflammation everywhere and all throughout the body.
Goldenrod is also known as a powerful decongestant, helping to relieve sinus congestions for allergies and the common cold (the inflammation caused by other ailments). Combining it with other cold-fighting herbs (like mullein as another mucus expectorant) will be profound in keeping you healthy. Additionally goldenrod is antimicrobial and used as a pollucite to assist healing wounds, cuts, burns and more.
What Does Modern Research Say About Goldenrod’s Benefits?
As with most medicinal herbs and plants, modern research has little to say pro or con about the goldenrod plants. It’s truly quite sad that the modern world has shied away from learning about plants at our fingertips and has instead chosen the big-pharma route. But there’s no money in medicinal herbs that anyone can grow. Like anything else in the medicinal herb/plant world, use it unless it doesn’t agree with your personal system. Studies shown that it does work – but there’s not enough research to say for certain (like all other pharma-funded studies pertaining to this).
What are the Medicinal Properties of Goldenrod?
- Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid). It’s found in many plants and foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, and berries. Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that might help reduce swelling, kill cancer cells, control blood sugar, and help prevent heart disease. (source: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-294/quercetin#overview)
- Astringent is a substance that causes tissues to shrink, this is what helps it reduce swelling and inflammation in the body- this helps it relieve allergy and cold symptoms. (source: https://www.medicinenet.com/goldenrod_benefits_dosage_and_precautions/article.htm)
How Can You Use Goldenrod?
Goldenrod plants can be used in a handful of medicinal ways. Mainly in hot-infusion teas, poultices, salves, and tinctures. It can be used fresh and dried, fresh is always considered to be better for using medicinally. Personally, I’ll be using it in teas and tinctures to help with inflammation and this cold-season. Here’s my recipes!
How Do You Make Goldenrod Tea?
Ingredients:
- 1–2 teaspoons dried goldenrod (flowers and leaves) or 2–3 teaspoons fresh goldenrod
- 1 cup boiling water
- Honey or lemon (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the dried or fresh goldenrod into a tea strainer or directly into a mug.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herb.
- Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain if needed. Add honey or lemon to taste.
- Enjoy warm. For best results, drink 1–2 cups per day as needed.
Tip: Goldenrod combines well with peppermint, lemon balm, or chamomile for added flavor and benefits.
How Do You Make a Goldenrod Tincture Step-by-Step?
Ingredients & Supplies:
- Fresh goldenrod plant (flowers and leaves) (loosely packed into a jar)
- 80–100 proof vodka (or another clear alcohol)
- Clean glass jar with lid
- Dark glass dropper bottles for storage
Instructions:
- Harvest goldenrod when it’s in full bloom. Rinse gently if needed and pat dry.
- Chop the plant material into smaller pieces to release more of the beneficial compounds.
- Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with fresh goldenrod.
- Pour vodka over the plant material until it’s fully covered, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
- Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark spot. Shake gently every few days.
- Allow the tincture to steep for 4–6 weeks.
- Strain out the plant material using cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
- Pour the finished tincture into dark glass dropper bottles and label with the date.
How to Use: A common dosage is 20–30 drops diluted in water, up to 3 times daily. Always start small and adjust as needed.
Note: Use vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead of vodka to make it non-alcoholic.
When Should I Use my Goldenrod Tea or Tincture?
Use your goldenrod for medicinal uses for these ailments:
- When you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- To reduce water weight/other digestive upsets.
- To reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
- If you have a cold, it helps reduce nasal congestion.
What Are Other Creative Ways to Use Goldenrod?
Goldenrod is a beautiful flowering plant that can be used in many capacities – here’s some information to get you started:
- Indoor flower bouquet, add some marigolds, sunflowers and other seasonal flowers for a rich, warm, beautiful collection.
- Feed the flower to your chickens – if it’s beneficial to you, it’s beneficial to your livestock.
- leave it in your garden/property for the wildlife.
Should You Grow Goldenrod in Your Garden?
If you want to use it medicinally and are lacking consistent summer/fall blooming flowers in your garden then yes. If you don’t need more flowers in your garden and you live in a rural North American climate then I would say no, because it grows abundantly here on the ‘wild’ parts of the landscape. I have had some growing around my property for years.
How Do You Grow and Care For Goldenrod?
Like many other ‘side of the road’ plants like dandelions and mullein, goldenrod is relatively low-maintenance. It does well in full sun to partial shade and in well-draining soil. Once established the plant is ‘drought tolerant’ which is why it thrives on the sides of the road.
Is Goldenrod Plant Invasive?
Yes and no – depending on where you live. If you’ve read my previous articles, you’ll know how I feel about this word, (and similarly about ‘weeds’). Invasive means a non-native plant that grows abundantly. Goldenrod is a native to North America and is therefore not considered invasive. However, it’s considered invasive in Europe and Asia because it’s not native.
Is the goldenrod plant a weed? A weed is something that grows in an area where you don’t want it to grow. Meaning that anything can be considered a weed. No plants are weeds – not dandelions, or chicory or even goldenrod.
Curious about ‘invasive’ plants? Check out these articles:
Common Questions About Goldenrod
Yes, goldenrod is generally safe for most healthy adults when used in moderate amounts as tea or tincture. However, people with allergies to plants in the daisy family, kidney issues, or those who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor before use.
Goldenrod tea has a mild, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor with hints of anise or licorice. Some people add honey or lemon to balance the taste. This is why a tincture is a nice way to add it to your diet through a cup of tea, without worrying about the taste too much.
Goldenrod itself is not a major cause of seasonal allergies and may even support sinus and respiratory health. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is usually the real trigger for allergy symptoms.
Goldenrod has bright yellow flower clusters that are insect-pollinated and less likely to trigger allergies. Ragweed has green, inconspicuous flowers that release large amounts of wind-borne pollen and are a common cause of hay fever. Goldenrod has alternating lance-shaped leaves which is very different to the ragweed.
Harvest goldenrod flowers and leaves when the plant is in full bloom. Cut the stems, tie them in small bundles, and hang them upside down in a warm, airy place until completely dry. Store in an airtight jar away from sunlight. Alternatively, place the flowers and leaves in a dehydrator for 48-72 hours at 105 degrees farenheight.
Yes, goldenrod has traditionally been used as a natural diuretic to support kidney and urinary tract health. Studies suggest it may help flush out excess fluid and soothe inflammation, though more research is needed.
Goldenrod is not well studied for safety in children, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It’s best to avoid use in these cases unless guided by a qualified healthcare professional.
Possible side effects include mild stomach upset, dizziness, or allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the aster family. Overuse may strain the kidneys due to its diuretic effect.
Store dried goldenrod leaves and flowers in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place. A tincture should be kept in a dark glass dropper bottle, away from heat and sunlight, where it can last for several years.
Yes, goldenrod is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable plant for supporting pollinators in late summer and fall.
What Are the Final Takeaways About Goldenrod?
Goldenrod, like Mullein, Dandelion, Chicory, etc are everyday ‘weeds’ that have an abundance of good earth-healing substances. I’m on a medicinal herbal healing journey, trying to learn and use everyday native plants that grow where I am to benefit my health. You can view all my medicinal articles here, and learn and join me on this journey!
Make this beautiful plant into a tincture to add to your teas/coffee to improve your overall health. It’s high in quercetin, it’s a diuretic to help with UTIs and water weight, its anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and swelling and full of antioxidants. Gather some goldenrod now while it’s still abundant to help your winter medicine cabinet!
We also have plenty of medicinal herb guides, growing guides, seed saving guides and our recipes. We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about goldenrod or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below. Happy Gardening!
