Goldenrod
Solidago virgaurea
Also known as Blue Mountain Tea and Sweet Goldenrod
History: Goldenrod Herb is a wildflower native to North America. Native American medicine men used the leaves for intestinal disorders and urinary infections and the flowers for colic. The Chippewa, who would boil the plant to produce syrup for treating colds, knew it as gizisomukiki, or sun medicine. Goldenrod was also used as a poultice cure toothaches and to soothe burns and boils. The Cherokee used Goldenrod to heal bruises, insect stings, and saddle sores from riding horses. Later, American revolutionists used the dried leaves of the Goldenrod to make a Liberty tea.
Modern Uses: The Commission E approved goldenrod herb as irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, urinary calculi and kidney gravel, and as prophylaxis for urinary calculi and kidney gravel.
The German Standard License for goldenrod herb tea indicates its use to increase the amount of urine in inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. ESCOP indicates its use for irrigation of the urinary tract, especially in cases of inflammation and renal gravel, and as an adjuvant in the treatment of bacterial infections of the urinary tract.
Active Ingredients: Saponins, Bitter principle, tannins, flavonoids
Actions: vulnerary, aromatic, stimulant, carminative, astringent, diuretic anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal
Complementary Herbs: Echinacea, Poke Root, Wild Indigo