Solidago virgaurea L.
Family: Compositae
Description: Tall upright perennial with oblong-lanceolate leaves; golden yellow, shortly rayed, flowers appear July to Sept on branched spikes, (Wren, 1988).
Habitat: Common garden and wild plant in Britain and Europe.
Harvest: Leaves and flowering tops are picked before flowers fully opened, (Bown, 1995).
Parts used: Leaves.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-2ml tds, Fluid Extract: 1ml tds, Dried: 0.5-4g tds.
Actions:
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
-ANTISEPTIC,
-DIURETIC,
-diaphoretic,
-carminative;
Organ systems: URINARY and UPPER RESPIRATORY;
Indications: “all cases in need of soothing of mucous membranes” -AD
-Urinary infections;
-Catarrh; sluggish conditions;
-Arthritis;
Safety: Safe. Would use in preference to Juniper if concerned about kidney damage..
Contra-indications: None found.
Key Constituents (Wren, 1988):
-Saponin glycosides;
-Diterpenes, incl. solidagolactones;
-Phenolic glucosides, incl. leicarposide;
-Flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin;
-Polysaccharides;
-Misc.: phenolic acids and tannins;
Pharmacology: Saponins shown anti-fungal effects against Candida. Leicarposide shown anti-inflammatory effects in animals. Extract of leaves and flowers shown transient hypotensive effect in rats, (Wren, 1988). Polysaccharides may have antiseptic effect (AD).
History: Generic name from Latin, solidare, “to make firm; fasten together”, which may derive from its traditional use as a vulnerary.
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“It is a sovereign wound herb, inferior to none, both for the inward and outward hurts; the decoction also helps to fasten the teeth that are loose in the gums.” Culpeper, (1995: 120).
“For EXCESSIVE PHLEGM, take an infusion or tincture of Golden rod; can be combined with other phlegm-reducing herbs, such as Marsh Cudweed, or demulcents like Ribwort Plantain.” Penelope Ody, 1993:136.
“Stimulating and slightly astringent tonic antiseptic to the mucous membrane. Specific for putrescent conditions. Suitable for bronchial disease in the elderly. Promotes renal excretion of fluid where micturition is scanty. Indications:
-Influenza, repeated colds.
-Catarrhal bronchitis with purulent expectoration.
-Putrescent tonsillitis -use acetous infusion as gargle.
-Naso-pharyngeal catarrh with sneezing and excessive mucous.” Priest and Priest, 1983:94.
“For use in hayfever and with Galium and Trifolium for ‘prickly heat’.” Alison Denham, 5/12/00.
