Goldenrod or Solidago is a herbaceous plant belonging to the aster family. There are many species of Solidago and our Goldenrod at the Forest Garden is Solidago canadensis variety “Baby Gold”.
Its bright yellow scented flowers bloom in late summer, announcing the arrival of autumn providing a rich source of nectar for bees, butterflies, wasps, ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies.
Young leaves and seed are edible, and flowers are used to make tea. Yellow dye can be made with the flowers and mustard, orange and brown dye can be made from the whole plant.
All parts of goldenrods that grow above the ground have medical properties. Leaves and flowers are especially popular and often used in treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Besides that, goldenrods are used in treatment of internal bleeding, diabetes, hay fever, inflammation, and indigestion. Its antifungal properties make it useful in the treatment of Candida albicans or thrush and American Indians used to chew the leaves to relieve toothache. The leaves of this amazing plant were even used to make rubber for the tyres of the Ford model T car.
In the 15th and 16th centuries goldenrod was used for healing wounds earning it the nickname “woundwort” and in fact it’s scientific name “solidago” comes from the Latin word “solidare” meaning “to make whole” (some other different plants have also been nicknamed woundwort).
DISCLAIMER: Any medical properties mentioned in this blog are meant for informational purposes only. They are not meant to be used to diagnose, treat, prescribe, prevent or cure any disease or to administer in any manner to any physical ailments and are not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a trained health professional. Herbal remedies can also cause allergic reactions. Please do your own research and consult your heath care professional before treating yourself or anyone else.
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