Goldenrod is a plant widely cultivated in our country. It was one of the factors that first attracted the attention of our ancestors. It's worth noting that it remains an important substrate in folk medicine. It has a number of health-promoting properties that comprehensively affect almost our entire body. However, not everyone can use it. This is due to its content of active ingredients that can cause adverse reactions in the body. So let's start from the very beginning.
What exactly is goldenrod?
Goldenrod is also called goldenrod, the herb of the Mother of God, a goldsmith, a goldenrod, and a red brand. All of these terms, of course, refer to its appearance during flowering. On the other hand, there are almost 100 species of goldenrod alone. They all belong to the large daisy family, and most of them are found in North America and Asia. In Poland, goldenrod is the most widespread. It is worth noting that the raw material used in folk medicine is the goldenrod herb, that is, its aboveground parts. The plant itself usually grows up to about one meter tall, but there are also much larger varieties—for example, late goldenrod (3 meters). Interestingly, almost all goldenrod species can be classified as honey plants. This means that we can benefit from their health-promoting properties by consuming the honey produced from it.
Ingredients of goldenrod
Goldenrod is an extremely valuable source of all vitamins and minerals, but its greatest treasure is undoubtedly its active ingredients. Among this numerous group of chemical compounds, goldenrod is particularly rich in antioxidants, compounds that enable our body to effectively combat free oxygen radicals. These include, for example, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol) and various phenolic glycosides (saponins, tannins, leocarposide). We also find yellow pigments, essential oils, and caffeic acid derivatives.
Words about goldenrod honey
Goldenrod honey is not very popular in Poland. This is a new type of honey characterized by a strong sweet taste and an interesting sour-bitter aftertaste and smell. However, its color ranges from straw to amber, and it is one of the fastest-crystallizing honeys. Interestingly, goldenrod is an extremely valuable plant for beekeepers, as it significantly determines the survival of bees during the winter. This condition is influenced by the flowering period, which falls at the turn of August/September and lasts until late autumn. This gives the bees access to food almost until the first frost, making them much better able to survive the winter period. Furthermore, this honey is difficult to obtain precisely because beekeepers leave a large portion of it as bee food, making it available on the market in small quantities. Goldenrod honey itself was once called the nectar of life because of its many health-promoting properties.
Health-promoting properties of goldenrod
Goldenrod has always been and remains such a popular medicinal plant due to its comprehensive effects on the entire body. For example, it is characterized by its anti-inflammatory effect and is excellent at fighting various pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, it has astringent, diuretic, anticoagulant, soothing, and detoxifying properties.
Goldenrod and kidney health
Goldenrod can be a great remedy for many kidney diseases and is characterized by its ability to support the functioning of our urinary system. Due to its high content of flavonoids and anthocyanins, it has bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which helps reduce the risk of all urinary tract infections. It also helps fight the microorganisms present there when they occur, for example, in inflammation of the bladder or urethra. Furthermore, it supports kidney function, increasing the efficiency of glomerular filtration and acting as a diuretic, which significantly reduces the risk of kidney stones.
Golden on healthy skin
It's worth noting that the plant, or rather the infusion prepared from it, is perfect for various skin conditions. In folk medicine, it is often used to relieve all kinds of itching and rashes, as well as to disinfect minor wounds and abrasions caused by damage to the top layer of the skin. Thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively reduces swelling, provides a feeling of relief, and accelerates wound healing. Furthermore, it's worth noting that goldenrod is perfect for acne-prone skin, as well as for those prone to seborrhea. Ultimately, it will significantly reduce the sensation of itching, burning, and swelling, as well as specifically disinfect, which can reduce the number of new pimples. The goldenrod-based liquid also plays an active role in cleansing the skin, brightening it, and certainly reducing any redness.
Goldenrod and digestive problems
Consuming infusions of goldenrod can be beneficial for the proper functioning of our digestive system. This is due to the action of goldenrod, which consists in stimulating the production of increased digestive juices—that is, bile, gastric acid, saliva, and intestinal juices. All this means that even in various digestive disorders manifested by indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, and gas—goldenrod can significantly increase the efficiency of digestion and the digestibility of meals consumed. In addition, the high content of phenolic acids and tannins has a positive effect on almost the entire digestive system and can also reduce the severity of some of its diseases, such as gastritis and enteritis. Regular use of infusions from this plant, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, can significantly reduce the symptoms of these diseases, thus increasing everyday comfort.
Goldenrod on the cardiovascular system
Numerous scientific studies have proven that goldenrod can have a significant impact on heart health. One such experiment examined its effect on the regeneration of the heart of rats after a heart attack. It was found that the condition of this organ was almost 34% better in the group that consumed a goldenrod decoction than in animals that did not consume it. Furthermore, goldenrod has been shown to have the ability to constrict blood vessels by affecting the condition of their walls and the epithelium lining them. It is also worth noting that, after prolonged use, this plant can have a hypotensive effect, thus lowering blood pressure. This condition is also influenced by a diuretic effect, which further reduces any swelling in the body. This significantly relieves the cardiovascular system and facilitates blood circulation.
Why goldenrod can detoxify our body
Goldenrod also boasts detoxifying and antioxidant properties. This means it can help our body fight free radicals, cleanse it of toxic metabolic waste, and more. All of this is due to the flavonoids it contains, or rather, their complexes, which are formed when dissolved in water. These complex units can capture and then combine with metabolic waste, making them much easier to eliminate from the body via urine. This is one of the reasons why infusions from this plant are especially recommended for patients suffering from gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and all skin diseases.
How do I prepare a decoction and infusion of goldenrod?
Preparing a goldenrod decoction is extremely quick and easy. To do this, pour 1.5 tablespoons of dried goldenrod herb into a glass of lukewarm water. Then simmer over low heat for another 3 minutes and let it cool. It's worth noting that the decoction is intended for external use, so you can immediately soak gauze in it, then squeeze out the excess liquid and apply it to eruptions, localized skin damage, or acne lesions. It's also great for rinsing your mouth.
To prepare the infusion, pour two teaspoons of dried goldenrod into a cup of boiling water. Then, cover and steep for about 15 minutes, and you have a ready-to-drink tea. This infusion can be consumed several times a day, but is best consumed after meals.
Common goldenrod - contraindications
Despite such comprehensive measures, goldenrod is widely recognized as a safe plant. Side effects from its use are extremely rare, but such cases do occur. It is true that after discontinuing the infusion or other forms of administration, all symptoms usually disappear very quickly. However, it should be noted that goldenrod is not recommended for use in the presence of edema closely related to kidney or heart failure. Furthermore, it should not be taken by children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. This is simply due to insufficient safety studies in these groups. The only exception to this regimen is direct medical advice. It is also worth mentioning that when taking goldenrod herb infusions, it is necessary to drink large amounts of fluids, which is, of course, directly related to its diuretic effect. Let us add that if the symptoms of a disease do not improve or worsen during treatment with this plant, this condition should be consulted with a physician.
Summary
Goldenrod is a somewhat forgotten plant with numerous health-promoting benefits. Its use derives directly from ancient folk medicine, but is slowly regaining popularity. It has a significant impact on the functioning of many systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, and urinary systems, and can relieve all skin problems and cleanse our system of unnecessary metabolites. It is also a honey plant, and the honey derived from it also has many beneficial properties. Goldenrod is a fairly safe plant, but don't let it put you to sleep, and if you experience any side effects, you should consult your doctor immediately.
