Parts Most Frequently Used: Aerial Parts of the Plant, Flower, Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Pungent, Bitter, Cool

Caution: Considered safe.

Key Constituents: Volatile oil, Caprinic acid, Plagonic acid, Caprylic acid, Oenantahylic acid, Rutin (a yellow crystalline substance), Glycosides, Alcohols (Pinene and Limonene), Tannins, Resins, Ascorbic acid, Alkaloids (Skimmianine and Graveoline)

History/Folklore: Do not confuse goldenrod (Solidago canadenis) with Verbascum densiflorum, also sometimes called “goldenrod” although it is a different genus and species. The word “solidago” means “to make whole” in Latin. The species S. canadensis and S. odora are considered the most medicinal, but all species of goldenrod are safe and healing.

When the herb was presented to Queen Elizabeth I, it commanded high prices, until it was identified to be growing wild all over England!

Early American colonists called goldenrod tea, “Liberty Tea” as they drank it instead of the black tea after the infamous Boston Tea Party (when British tea was thrown overboard into Boston harbor in a sign of revolt over tea taxes). The tea was so popular it was even exported to China! The colonists also used the flowers to make dye.

Some say goldenrod is higher in antioxidants than green tea. Some think they are allergic to goldenrod, but this is not so as the plant’s pollen is quite sticky and carried by insects and not in the wind, the way allergy-causing pollen can be.

Goldenrod is frequently used in Europe to treat urinary tract infections and to prevent kidney stones. It is considered a natural kidney and bladder remedy as it increases urine flow while soothing inflamed tissues. The plant’s astringent and antiseptic qualities tighten and tone the urinary tract. Goldenrod is also recognized as a kidney tonic, helping to restore, re-balance, and nourish the kidneys, especially if the condition has become chronic.

A blend of plantain, yarrow, St John’s wort, and goldenrod makes an effective wound-healing salve for the skin, or for treating achy muscles or arthritic joints.

Goldenrod tonics are easy to make. Cut off the top third of the plant in full bloom in the fall. Fill a jar with chopped flowers, leaves, and stalks (it is OK to include the roots if you have them); then add 100-proof vodka, filling the jar to the very top. Seal the jar airtight and the tincture will be ready in 6 weeks.

Folklore says that the stem of the plant made an excellent divining rod. If grown near the house it would bring good fortune to the family. It is considered a symbol of good luck and good fortune. Legend says wherever goldenrod grows treasure can be found. It is consequently used in spells to attract money and wealth.

The flowers are edible and can be dipped in batter and fried for a tasty treat. Native Americans chewed goldenrod leaves to relieve sore throats and roots to relieve toothaches.

Goldenrod contains natural rubber. Thomas Edison experimented with creating a natural fertilizer that would maximize the rubber content of each plant. Henry Ford gave Edison a Model T with tires made from Goldenrod. The rubber is only contained in the leaves.

Some gardeners consider goldenrod excessively “weedy” as it can take over your garden. They play an important role in the environment as soil stabilizers and sources of food and shelter for wildlife. It is a host plant for butterflies, bees, and moth caterpillars, a late source of nectar for insects in the autumn, and a food for seed-eating birds in the winter. Farmers plant goldenrods to encourage bees and butterflies to stay in the area helping to pollinate crops.

Goldenrod and ragweed are not the same plant. Goldenrod produces bright yellow flowers and attracts pollinators. Ragweed produces green flowers and does not attract pollinators.