Goldenrod grows abundantly in the fall here in New England. I harvested some over a year ago in my back yard - the gold is so beautiful against the green as summer comes to and end. But, you can enjoy it all year long, as a tea!
I was curious one night looking at the tall, fiery, golden stalks and thought "there's got to be a use for that." Turns out there is, turns out there are many!
It is widely and most popularly known for helping with urinary tract infections, as well as helping the kidneys as a diuretic.
As I was researching, I wanted to know what really separates a "diuretic" from an "anti-inflammatory." Let me spare you - there is no good or clear answer - just a bunch of words that all mean the same thing. When it really comes down to it, I believe, in my own opinion, they are the same. A diuretic helps you release fluid, basically meaning you pee more... while an anti-inflammatory helps you release inflammation. But, aren't those both kinda, sorta, ish the same? Now I know they are not literally the same, but your body is releasing swelling in both cases.
So, this plant does both! It will help your body release swelling, while also helping reduce inflammation in the body, all while detoxing (hence diuretic - kidney detoxification). It can also help reduce blood pressure! Oh, and kill cancer cells. No big deal.
Here is an awesome article from the National Library of Medicine, which goes into depth on studies and properties of Goldenrod.
Abstract as quoted from article linked above, Solidago virgaurea L.: A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities:
Solidago virgaurea L. (European goldenrod, Woundwort), Asteraceae, is a familiar medicinal plant in Europe and other parts of the world, widely used and among the most researched species from its genus. The aerial parts of European goldenrod have long been used for urinary tract conditions and as an anti-inflammatory agent in the traditional medicine of different peoples. Its main chemical constituents are flavonoids (mainly derived from quercetin and kaempferol), C6-C1 and C6-C3 compounds, terpenes (mostly from the essential oil), and a large number of saponin molecules (mainly virgaureasaponins and solidagosaponins). Published research on its potential activities is critically reviewed here: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, spasmolitic, antihypertensive, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasite, cytotoxic and antitumor, antimutagenic, antiadipogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antisenescence. The evidence concerning its potential benefits is mainly derived from non-clinical studies, some effects are rather modest, whereas others are more promising, but need more confirmation in both non-clinical models and clinical trials.
Give the article a good read, it's very interesting! Goldenrod was deemed a "miracle herb" by the Germans all the way back from the 1400's. It can also help the body create more bile, which greatly helps the liver in regards to detoxification as well, and digestion of course.
So - this herb is toxic to cancer cells, helps you feel nice and slim, helps reduce painful inflammation, can help with infections, tastes good and it's pretty... nature. gives. us. everything.
So when you see it this fall, harvest it! Herbal Jedi on YouTube made a wonderful video on Goldenrod; what it is, how to identify, harvesting, benefits and more. Watch it here! :)
I use mine in a tea ball and steep it with any other type of flavorful tea and add honey, it tastes great!