European Goldenrod
Botanical Description & Habitat
Solidago virgaurea
Family
Asteraceae
Habitat
Meadows and woods, and in sandy, sunny places in Europe and northern and western Asia.
Medicinal Parts
Flowering tops, and leaves
Historical Properties & Uses
European goldenrod is used as an astringent and diuretic, in the form of teas, tinctures and extracts. Applied most often to treat chronic nephritis and other kidney diseases, and arthritis, along with menorrhagia, whooping cough and chronic eczema. The astringent property is used for diarrhea and internal bleeding.
Goldenrod has approval status by the German Commission E in urinary disorders.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Goldenrod has Diuretic and Astringent Actions
Goldenrod is a rich source of bioflavonoids that are probably responsible for its activity. It also contains tannic acid contributing to the diuretic action.
Goldenrod for the Kidneys
Goldenrod has been used as standard kidney treatment in German medicine for over 100 years, and is still preferred over most orthodox drugs.
Goldenrod stimulates the elimination of fluid, but also a decrease in albuminuria, due to dilution of urine. It appears Goldenrod directly increases renal function. It has been shown effective in case of inability to pass urine because of acute hemorrhagic nephritis.
In German medicine, the specific indications for goldenrod are anuria or oliguria develop in acute nephritis. Goldenrod will cause an almost immediate increase in renal output.
Goldenrod is contraindicated, however, in cases of sub-acute or chronic nephritis where increased renal output may not be desired.
Goldenrod is often combined with senna, juniper, peppermint and calamus root for total therapy; or goldenrod is sometimes combined with centaury, rosehips, lovage and rosemary, combining two tonics with two diuretic herbs to achieve total healing.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
European Goldenrod, insofar as its diuretic action increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuremic effects of glucose elevating agents.
Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine.
The effects of dopamine and diuretic agents are additive. Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive drugs, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine.
Possible Interactions
The topical application of this astringent herb, in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid) may adversely affect the skin.
The tannin in goldenrod may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea. The tannin in a tea made from goldenrod may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
In conjunction with ACTH or corticosteroids, this diuretic is more prone to produce hypokalemia.
The use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.
The diuretic action of goldenrod may reduce renal clearance of lithium.
An initial dose of captopril (an antihypertensive) may cause a severe drop in blood pressure within three hours if the person is also using a strong diuretic.
Comments
Prolonged use of this diuretic may affect certain lab test results such as electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium), BUN, uric acid, glucose, and pbi.
Strong diuretics such as this in conjunction with indomethacin may produce natriuretic effects.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Goldenrod is nontoxic in therapeutic doses.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
Use 0.5-2g of dried herb
Liquid Extract
Use 0.5-2ml of 1:1 in 25% alcohol
Tincture
Use 0.5-1ml of 1:5 in 45% alcohol
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
6 - 12 g of the herb (above ground parts including flowers).
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Braun, H. & Frohne, D. Heilplanzen-Lexikon Fuer Aerzte und Apotheker. Gustav Fisher Verlag, Stuttgart, New York, 1987.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield Publishers, LTD, Beaconsfield, England, 1988.
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