goldenrod

Goldenrod is the common name of Solidago species of plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to Europe but now grows in many parts of the world including Asia, North and South America, and Mexico. Goldenrod has bright yellow flowers and all the aerial parts of the plant are used as herbal remedy to increase urinary flow (diuretic), to reduce inflammation, to heal wounds and for various other conditions. Goldenrod is available as granules, liquid extracts, tinctures, and as a dried herb that can be used to make tea.

Goldenrod is believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, antitumor and antidiabetic properties. The therapeutic effects of goldenrod may be from the chemicals it contains which include flavonoids, glycosides, aglycones, phenolic acids, saponins, terpenes and polysaccharides. Although goldenrod is used for a wide variety of ailments, there are no clinical studies, however, on the safety and efficacy of goldenrod to support any of its uses.

Suggested uses of goldenrod include:

• Diuretic
• Irrigation therapy to increase urine flow and treat or prevent:
  • Inflammatory disease of lower urinary tract
  • Urinary stones
  • Kidney gravel
• Prostate enlargement
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Eczema
• Minor wounds
• Gout
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Liver enlargement
• Hemorrhoids
• Internal bleeding
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Asthma
• Pain and fatigue

• Do not take goldenrod if you are allergic to Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants such as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums and marigold.
• Do not take goldenrod if you are hypersensitive to pollen.
• If you have fluid retention due to kidney or heart disease, avoid taking goldenrod as irrigation therapy, which is taken with large amounts of fluids to increase urine flow.
• Irrigation therapy is unlikely to clear urinary tract infections, do not depend on goldenrod and miss taking the required antibiotic treatment.
• Goldenrod may cause accumulation of sodium, which can increase blood pressure and worsen the condition in people with hypertension. Exercise caution.

There is no scientific information on side effects of goldenrod. Side effects may include:

• Heartburn
• Allergic reactions
• Allergic contact dermatitis, with skin contact to the plant

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what might be an appropriate dosage of goldenrod. Follow instructions on manufacturer’s labels.

Suggested Dosing

• Drink at least 2 L of water every day while taking goldenrod

Tea

• One cup of tea 2 to 4 times a day between meals
• Seep 1-2 tsp (3-5 g) of the dried herb in 150 mL boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain.
• Usual dose ranges from 6-12 g/day

Liquid Extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol)

• 0.5-2 mL 2 to 4 times a day

Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol)

• 0.5-1 mL 2 to 4 times a day

Overdose

There is no information available on overdose. In case of overdose, report your symptoms to Poison Control.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Goldenrod has no known severe, serious or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of goldenrod include:
  • amiloride
  • bendroflumethiazide
  • bumetanide
  • chlorothiazide
  • chlorthalidone
  • cyclopenthiazide
  • drospirenone
  • ethacrynic acid
  • furosemide
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • indapamide
  • methyclothiazide
  • metolazone
  • spironolactone
  • torsemide
  • triamterene

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There isn’t any reliable information on the safety of goldenrod use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not take any herbal supplement, including goldenrod, without first checking with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• There isn’t enough reliable information on the safety and side effects of taking goldenrod. Use with caution.
• Use goldenrod exactly as per label instructions. Natural products are not necessarily safe always and following suggested dosing is important.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal product, including goldenrod, particularly if you have any health conditions or if you are on any regular medication.
• Herbal products often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the goldenrod product you choose.
• Goldenrod is marketed as an herbal supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store goldenrod products safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.