Goldenrod Herb 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Goldenrod Herb – 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients  Goldenrod supplies many beneficial plant compounds, including saponins and flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol (3). Saponins are plant compounds linked to many health benefits. They may particularly be effective in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast like Candida albicans, which is a fungus that can cause vaginal yeast infections, as well as infections in other parts of the body (4). Saponins have also been shown to possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects in test-tube and animal studies (5).

The flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol in goldenrod help protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals (6). Free radical damage is a factor in many chronic conditions, including heart disease and cancer (7, 8). Notably, the antioxidant activity of goldenrod is more than that of green tea and vitamin C (1, 9, 10, 11). The flavonoid antioxidants and other plant compounds in goldenrod also have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Inflammation  In traditional medicine, goldenrod has been used to combat inflammation, which contributes to pain and swelling (12). In rodent studies, goldenrod extract combined with aspen and ash tree extracts in the supplement Phytodolor reduced the swelling of injured tissues by as much as 60%. It also lowered inflammation associated with arthritis by 12–45% in rodents, with greater effects at higher doses (13).

Goldenrod in Phytodolor has been tested in people as well. In a review of 11 human studies, treatment with Phytodolor was equally effective as aspirin for reducing back pain and knee arthritis (14). This may be partly due to quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant in goldenrod with potent anti-inflammatory effects (15, 16, 17). However, the bark of aspen trees contains salicin — the active ingredient in aspirin — which also contributed to the anti-inflammatory benefits of the herbal blend tested. Test-tube research of Phytodolor suggests that it’s the combination of ingredients — rather than a singular ingredient — that produces the most significant pain relief. Thus, it’s unclear how much of an effect goldenrod has on its own (18). Human studies that focus on goldenrod alone are needed to clarify its role in treating inflammation and pain.

Kidney, Bladder, Urinary System  With powerful diuretic properties, goldenrod helps to flush out impurities by helping to release excess water and increase urine flow. This can help to dislodge renal deposits that might otherwise develop into kidney stones and removes other potentially harmful microorganisms.

Goldenrod has been researched extensively for its ability to soothe and tone the urinary tract and reduce the discomfort and swelling associated with urinary tract infections (UTI’s). It is often used in “irrigation therapy”, a procedure that involves taking goldenrod with lots of fluids to increase urine flow in an effort to treat inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, as well as stones in the kidney or urinary tract. According to PubMed; “Investigations in molecular pharmacology could show new mechanisms responsible for the biological effect of natural products from goldenrod extracts. The use of such herbal preparations with a rather complex action spectrum (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, antispasmodic, analgesic) is especially recommended for treatment of infections and inflammations, to prevent formation of kidney stones and to help remove urinary gravel.” Goldenrod has also been shown to exhibit strong preventative effects for those who suffer recurring UTI’s.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), a government group that oversees medicines, recognizes goldenrod as potentially useful for improving the effectiveness of standard medical treatments for minor urinary problems (19). This means that goldenrod may support or increase the effectiveness of medicines like antibiotics for a urinary tract infection (UTI) — but the herb should not be used alone as a treatment for such ailments. Test-tube research suggests that goldenrod may help ward off UTIs. It may be most effective when combined with other herbs — including juniper berry and horsetail herb (20). For this reason, you may see herbal supplements for urinary health containing goldenrod and other herbs. Additionally, test-tube studies indicate that goldenrod may help with overactive bladder, or the frequent feeling of needing to urinate. It may also decrease painful spasms of the urinary tract (21).

When 512 people with chronic overactive bladder took 425 mg of dry goldenrod extract 3 times daily, 96% saw improvement in the urgency to urinate and painful urination. It’s uncertain how long they took the extract before they noticed benefits (22). Lastly, the EMA notes that goldenrod increases the flow of urine. Its diuretic effect may help flush out potentially harmful bacteria and support kidney health (19). Therefore, it’s generally advised to drink plenty of water when taking the herb.

Colds/Flu/Allergies  Classed as an astringent herb and a strong decongestant, Goldenrod can help to dry up congestion caused by colds, flu, allergies and sinus problems. It contains a flavonoid called quercetin which acts as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. As a mild diaphoretic, Goldenrod helps to open up the pores and release heat through the skin, therefore supporting the reduction of a fever.

Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties make this herb extremely soothing for sore throats and laryngitis.

Antioxidant  Goldenrod is packed with antioxidants – well known herbalist and researcher Robert Dale Rogers asserts that it has 7 x the antioxidant levels of green tea. It is rich in the antioxidant compound known as rutin, whose benefits include strengthening blood vessels, promoting healthy circulation and preventing blood clots, making it especially beneficial to the cardiovascular system as a whole.

• Arthritis and gout
• Allergies
• Colds and flu
• Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract
• Kidney stones
• Eczema (applied to the skin)
• Minor wounds (applied to the skin)

Preliminary studies have looked at goldenrod for:

Weight. Test-tube and mouse research suggests that goldenrod may combat obesity by regulating genes that control fat synthesis and the size of fat cells. For this reason, the herb is used in some weight loss teas (23, 24).

Cancer. According to test-tube research, goldenrod extract may kill cancer cells. Additionally, a rat study reported that injections of goldenrod extract suppressed the growth of prostate cancer tumors (2).

Heart. Rats given goldenrod extract orally each day for 5 weeks before inducing heart damage had 34% lower levels of a blood marker for damage after the heart injury compared to the control group (25).

Anti-Aging. A test-tube study found that goldenrod extract delayed the accumulation of old, poorly functioning skin cells. This may hold potential for deterring premature skin aging (26).

Botanical Name: Solidago odora
English: Blue Mountain Tea, Sweet Scented Golden Rod, Aaron’s Rod, Baguette d’Aaron, Canadian Goldenrod, Early Goldenrod, European Goldenrod, Gerbe d’Or
Also, known as: Herbe des Juifs, Solidage, Solidage du Canada, Solidago canadensis, Solidago gigantea, Solidago longifolia, Solidago serotina, Solidago virgaurea, Vara de Oro, Verge d’Or, Woundwort.
Origin: Ukraine
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Above the ground part
General Information:

Goldenrod is native to North America. The plant grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters. The plant has thin leaves and yellow flowers. Golden Rod blooms in the summer and autumn, forming in the eastern United States a conspicuous part of the autumnal scene Early American settlers used the flowers to help the gums and teeth In Europe, the flowers are taken as a laxative and for sinus and joint problems. The herb was made as a tea during the American revolt against the British tea tax. The tea was known as “patriot tea.” The names “early goldenrod,” “European goldenrod.” and “Canadian goldenrod” are used interchangeably. Don’t confuse this herb with mullein, which is sometimes called “goldenrod.”

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1‒2 teaspoons (3‒5 grams) of dried goldenrod, up to 3 times/day. This can be added to food or to make tea.