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In folk medicine, goldenrod was used used to treat such
diverse conditions as rheumatism, gout, diabetes, hemorrhoids,
internal bleeding, enlarged prostate, asthma, enlarged liver,
tuberculosis, mouth and throat infections, and festering wounds.
Unfortunately, its effectiveness for treating these conditions has
never been proven.
Goldenrod is an aquaretic agent (promotes
the loss of water from the body) most frequently used to treat
urinary tract inflammation and to prevent the development of kidney
stones. Goldenrod's aquaretic effects combined with both
antimocrobila and anti-inflammatory properties allow this herb to be
used in connection with a variety conditions which include the
following:
- Bladder inflammation
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Colds and flu
- Kidney stones
- Laryngitis (as a gargle)
- Sore throats
Goldenseal may also be used as a topical
application to aid in healing injuries and treating skin conditions
such as eczema. Goldenrod has also been used to treat laryngitis or
sore throats (as a gargle).
Possible Side
Effects
Most people believe that goldenrod is
generally considered safe and has no known side effects. However,
you should not use this herb if you have impaired heart or kidneys
or if you are pregnant.
Dosage and
Usage
- Tea - Mix 2 - 3 teaspoons of dried herb in 1
cup of water, bring to a boil, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes;
strain and drink. Take three times per day.
- Gargle - Make the tea described above, and
gargle with it three times per day.
- Liquid extract - (1:1) in 25% ethanol: Take
0.5 to 2 mL two to three times per day.
- Tincture - (1:5) in 45% ethanol: Take 2 to 4
mL two to three times per day.
Supporting
Literature
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, and
Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E
Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications;
2000:178-181. el-Ghazaly M, Khayyal MT, and Okpanyi SN. Study of
the anti-inflammatory activity of Populus tremula, Solidago
virgaurea and Fraxinus excelsior. Arzneimittelforschung.
1992;42:333-336. Schatzle M, Agathos M, Breit R. Allergic contact
dermatitis from goldenrod (Herba solidaginis) after systemic
administration. Contact Dermatitis. 1998
Nov;39(5):271-272.
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