Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a sunny medicinal and edible wild plant. In the past, it was falsely blamed for hayfever allergies, which are actually caused by ragweed. As a medicinal plant, goldenrod can actually be used to treat allergies! Latin solidare means to join or make whole, and when you come upon the medicinal tags below you’ll see why it’s named such.
Eight goldenrods are listed in Haliburton Flora. They are Canada (Solidago canadensis L.), grass-leaved (Solidago graminifolia), hairy (Solidago hispida), early (Solidago juncea), gray (Solidago nemoralis), rough-stemmed (Solidago rugosa), stout (Solidago squarrosa), and bog (Solidago uliginosa). Some prefer roadsides and edges. Bog of course prefers damp spaces. Early is easy to ID as it comes out first and I start to wonder where spring went and why summer appears to be ending early.
Edible Uses of Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis leaves gathered in spring are a substitute for spinach; the least bitter goldenrod in many areas of North America. The flavor and texture vary by species. The flowers are edible, and make a bright and sunny garnish.
You can also dry the leaves and flowers for tea, although usually it’s “sweet” (S. odora) goldenrod suggested for that, which wasn’t listed in our local set. Sweet golden rod is often called Blue Mountain Tea. Perhaps you can find some distinctly flavored goldenrod honey to sweeten it with.
The seeds are edible, but they’re more of a survival food. The seeds can be used to thicken stews and gravies.
Medicinal Uses of Goldenrod
Goldenrod is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Intergumetary
- Respiratory
- Urinary
Medicinal tags include Antiallergic, Anticatarrhal, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant, and Vulnerary. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes to fight chronic asthma and allegeries and as an upper respiratory catarrh to minimize excess mucous. If you need to dry it all up, it’s perfect. If you’re already dried out and need to get it flowing better – look into “mucilage” plants. (It’s subtle differences like this that make me recommend having a qualified herbalist help 1-on-1 with these conditions!)
In the Good Living Guide on pg 189 is the recipe for AllerBgone Tea: 2 Tsp each dried nettle leaf and goldenrod leaf, and 1 tsp each plantain leaf and chamomile flowers. The tea may stimulate the immune system and strengthen allergy defenses at beginning of hayfever season. Goldenrod contains quercetin which is an anti-inflammatory and can be found commercially, usually made from European goldenrod (solidago virgaurea).
Sometimes goldenrod is called woundwort. Externally the leaves and flowers are used in poultices, ointments and baths for wounds, bruises, ulcers, boils, eczema and slow healing wounds. It’s also another handy spit poultice for insect bites. Since it’s antifungal, it could be tried for athletes foot, nail fungus, yeast infections, and thrush.
Colic, toothaches, kidney stones, etc… there are many more uses of goldenrod. The genus name means “to make whole” and its many uses reflect that.
Alternative Uses of Woundwort
The leaves and flowers can be used to make a yellow dye. More specifically, the flowers produce a yellow dye with alum as the mordant and gold with chrome as the mordant.
Growing Solidago SPP.
This plant thrives in our area. Come September, there’s goldenrod and asters everywhere! They self planted themselves on the edge of my bee and butterfly garden, taming my tansy which otherwise might have taken over. They are easy to transplant but even easier- just stop mowing at least parts of your yard. Around Haliburton you’ll likely see asters and goldenrod fill these spots. The pollinators will be pleased.
These are also easily found at native plant nurseries and by collecting and trading seeds with likeminded people.
WARNINGS
Avoid if allergic to other plants in the aster family.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Solidago Linnaeus – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
Stalking The Wild Asparagus (Field Guide Edition).
Tom Brown’s Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants: The Key to Nature’s Most Useful Secrets
The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies: Simple Salves, Teas, Tinctures, and More
The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies: Simple Salves, Teas, Tinctures, and More
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
Ragweed – Ambrosia Artemisiifolia: Sneeziest of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants - Song of the Woods Studio
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