The goldenrod plant is named for its bright yellow flowers and effective healing properties. In this article, we share information about the ailments that goldenrod tea treats and how to prepare them. Let’s learn about the goldenrod tea benefits.
What Does The Goldenrod Plant Look Like?
You’ve probably seen a lot of goldenrods and know where they are growing. However, you may not know its benefits for your health. So, the European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) or woundwort is widespread throughout many countries. It grows in dry coniferous and deciduous forests, forest sites, bushes, sunny slopes, and meadows. It is a widespread plant, recognizable during its flowering season.
Goldenrod is an herbaceous, perennial plant growing up to 60–100 cm, best recognized in flowering by its bright yellow, clustered florets. It blooms in July–October and looks stunning on autumn roadsides or woodlands.
The Basis for Making Goldenrod Tea
People harvest only the upper parts of the goldenrod stems with the inflorescences during the flowering period. These parts are used for medicinal purposes, including tea. The roots are used less commonly to make goldenrod tea.
The recommendations say to collect only when the twigs have started to flower, as harvesting later will cause the twigs to fluff up during drying. Harvest only the flowering tops, not the leaves.
You can make goldenrod tea from dried and fresh herbs. If you would like to dry goldenrod, collect the raw materials and spread them in a thin layer. Then dry it in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight. If stored properly, it remains fit for consumption for 2 years.
By the way, use the dried branches of goldenrod in dry flower arrangements.
Goldenrod Tea Benefits
The medicinal properties of goldenrod were known to the Germanic tribes, who used it to treat wounds. It was also mentioned as a urinary stimulant and stone-protectant in the 13th century.
Nowadays, we know that goldenrod has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The herb contains flavonoids, vitamins C and PP, minerals (potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, and aluminum), bitterness, tannicity, coloring substances, essential oils, saponins, etc. The roots of goldenrod contain inulin.
The antioxidant properties of goldenrod tea are much higher than those of vitamin C or lemon tea. Thanks to its saponins, which effectively combat fungal diseases, including Candida albicans infections.
The most common uses of goldenrod tea are for urinary tract infections or specific kidney diseases. It is particularly effective in treating bladder inflammation. Some studies suggest that it may enhance the effects of antibiotics and aid rapid recovery. On the other hand, you can consume goldenrod preparations alone and skip antibiotics.
Which Ailments Does Goldenrod Tea Treat?
In addition to being an effective treatment for urinary tract infections, goldenrod tea is also used in folk medicine in the following cases:
- Reduce chronic inflammation. Some research shows its effectiveness in treating arthritis and relieving the pain and swelling it causes.
- Weight control. Goldenrod tea stimulates metabolism and regulates genes. These genes control fat synthesis and the size of fat cells.
- Dissolve kidney sand and stones.
- Elderly treatment of urinary disorders: incontinence or retention of urine;
- Treatment of bronchial asthma and whooping cough.
- Stop benign prostatic exudation.
- Relief of a sore throat.
- Treatment of scurvy.
- Stop diarrhea or treat indigestion.
- To treat skin diseases and slow down the aging process.
- Prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Treat wounds externally.
In addition, research has demonstrated the effects of goldenrod in treating cancer. It has cancer-cell-killing properties.
Goldenrod Tea for Bladder Inflammation
Goldenrod tea is effective in fighting bladder inflammation without antibiotics. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking any treatment.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. dried goldenrod herb
- 1 glass of water
Preparation: pour boiling water over the herbs, cover, and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drain.
Use: take 2-3 glasses a day.
Solidago Tea for Kidney Stones
Many know that goldenrod is considered the ‘golden’ herb for kidney stones. However, do not drink it for certain kidney diseases (e.g., acute glomerulonephritis) because it can be harmful. Always consult your doctor before using goldenrod tea, even for prophylactic kidney stones.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. dried goldenrod herb
- 1 glass of water
Preparation:
Cover the goldenrod with cold water and boil it until tender. Then cook it for 3–5 minutes. Cover and leave to soak for 2 hours. Drain.
Use: take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Goldenrod Tea Benefits Gout and Rheumatism
Solidago effectively combats the pain and swelling caused by gout and rheumatism, reducing inflammation and symptoms.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. dried goldenrod herb
- 1 glass of water
Preparation: pour cold boiled water over the herb, cover, and leave to steep for 4 hours. Drain.
Suggested use: take ¼ glass 4 times a day before meals. The recommended course of treatment is 10–15 days, followed by a break of 1-2 months.
Solidago Tea for Bronchial Asthma
The benefits of goldenrod tea are also suitable for treating digestive tract disease (e.g., gastritis), kidney disease, gout, prostatitis, and rheumatism. However, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming this tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. dried goldenrod herb
- 1 glass of water
Preparation:
Pour boiling water at room temperature over the goldenrod, cover, and leave to infuse for 4 hours. Drain.
Use: take 50 ml three times a day before meals. A course of treatment should last no more than one month. This tea is also suitable for rinsing the throat in cases of angina.
A Fresh Goldenrod Tea Remedy for Diarrhea
A tea made from fresh goldenrod tea benefits the treatment of gallstones, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. of chopped fresh goldenrod
- 1 glass of water
Preparation: cover the goldenrod with boiling water, boil, turn off the heat, cover, and leave to infuse for 4 hours. Drain.
Use: take ¼ glass 4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.
Woundwort tea
We share a tea recipe that is suitable for a healthy person. It strengthens the capillaries, cleanses the body, and reduces acidity. However, if you have inflammation or problems with the heart, consume the tea sparingly and carefully.
Solidago tea has a slightly bitter and astringent taste, so flavor it with honey or lemon.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. dried goldenrod herb
- 1 glass of water
Preparation: cover with boiling water, cover, and leave to infuse for 2 minutes. Drain.
Use: drink Solidago tea as a usual beverage, but no more than 2 glasses per day is recommended.
Side Effects of Goldenrod Tea
The use of goldenrod and its tea is strictly forbidden for pregnant and lactating women. It should also not be used by people suffering from acute glomerulonephritis or people allergic to Asteraceae.
In addition, goldenrod has diuretic properties. Keep in mind that taking diuretics and goldenrod tea should be done with extreme caution.
It should also be noted that Solidago is a somewhat toxic herb, so you should consult your doctor, pharmacist, or experienced herbalist about its use and dosage.
Sources:
- https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/rykstene/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/goldenrod
- https://farmsteady.com/blogs/field-guide/recipe-foraged-goldenrod-tea
- https://stoweforager.com/recipes/golden-tea-recipe/
- https://chestnutherbs.com/medicinal-uses-and-benefits-of-goldenrod/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/health-benefits-of-goldenrod
Associative photos from © Canva.
