Goldenrod is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.
The names âearly goldenrod,â âEuropean goldenrod,â and âCanadian goldenrodâ are used interchangeably. Donât confuse this herb with Verbascum densiflorum, which is sometimes called âgoldenrod.â
Goldenrod is used to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation), as a diuretic to increase urine flow, and to stop muscle spasms. It is also used for gout, joint pain (rheumatism), arthritis, as well as eczema and other skin conditions. Goldenrod is also used to treat tuberculosis infections that have become active again after a period of inactivity (latency), diabetes, enlargement of the liver, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, hay fever, asthma, and an enlarged prostate.
Some people use goldenrod as "irrigation therapy." This is a procedure that involves taking goldenrod with lots of fluids to increase urine flow in an effort to treat inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, as well as stones in the kidney or urinary tract.
Goldenrod is used as a mouth rinse for inflammation of the mouth and throat, and it is also applied directly to the skin to improve wound healing.
1. Flushes Your System
Goldenrod has diuretic properties that help to release excess water from your body by increasing urine flow through the kidneys and bladder. This irrigates the kidneys and helps to remove renal deposits which otherwise might develop into kidney stones. It also supports the overall health of the kidneys and urinary tract by helping to remove harmful organisms which might cause harm.
2. Soothes and Protects
Goldenrod is a soothing and toning agent for the urinary tract. Lab and human studies have reported on its ability to reduce swelling. [2] When discomfort and swelling are lessened, tissue is more tone and, in the case of the urinary tract, the path is more smooth. This allows for an easier release of mineral buildups which could otherwise lead to kidney or bladder stones.
3. Supports Urinary Tract Health
The diuretic effect of goldenrod, when combined with other approaches to managing UTIs, have shown to be effective for preventing recurrent UTIs than individual approaches alone. One study looked at goldenrod as a complementary approach to traditional antibiotic therapy. Those participants taking both the goldenrod and the antibiotic enjoyed the fewest recurrences of UTIs compared with participants in other groups. [3]
4. Has Few to No Side-Effects
No studies that have evaluated goldenrod as a therapy for the urinary tract have reported negative side effects. Herbal remedies like this can offer a better quality of life than other medical options since it achieves the desired goal without the unpleasantness of unwanted side effects.
