KnowyourHerbs L
Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
ate each summer we are greeted by a profusion of Golden- rod’s gloriously radiant and cheerful yellow blooms deco- rating our views in meadows, fields and roadsides. Jovial
golden blossoms adorn the sturdy stalks that will never appear alone; vast colonies of this herbal ally will prodigiously populate pastures and paddocks if given half a chance. There are a diz- zying variety of species of Solidago; some sources estimate that there are over eighty, while more conservative approximations are about half that figure. Nonetheless, it is notoriously difficult to differentiate members of the genus and although most are me- dicinal, the variety that is usually referred to in herbalism is S. canadensis. The enormous plethora of Solidago makes it easy to under-
stand her long-held reputation for generating abundance, luck and love. Astrologically, Goldenrod is assigned to Venus, making her a popular herb for ceremonies to attract true love. Some leg- ends claim that a tea or a bouquet of her flowers will draw your soul-mate to you. Planting it near your front door is said to attract prosperity, and if she volunteers to make a home in your garden, she brings good fortune with her. The most fragrant of the Gold- enrod native to New England is S. tenuifolia, more readily distin- guished by its many branches of slightly rounded flower clusters; it smells exactly like honey and the bees adore it. Because her bloom-time is shared with the invisible green
flowers of ragweed, poor Goldenrod gets blamed for seasonal al- lergies, but this is simply untrue. Ragweed has tiny pollen grains that are carried by the wind, grains that are small enough to irri- tate and inflame sinus tissues; Goldenrod sports a small amount of sticky, large-grained pollen that are exclusively picked up by bees and other pollinating insects, and do not cause allergy symptoms. The irony is that Goldenrod is in fact a helpful remedy for sinusitis and chronic hay fever.
The leaves and flowers are the most helpful part of the plant to use when treating upper-body imbalances such as mouth abscesses, sore throat, scrofula, nasal congestion, cough or asthma; a re- freshing tea or a tincture will do the job nicely. The homeopathic dose is effective when treating seasonal allergies or sensitivity to dander –especially feline. The roots of Solidago taken as a decoc- tion or in tincture form are more appropriate to use when treat- ing lower-body or deep-seated imbalances, such as gout, diar- rhea, menstrual troubles and kidney or bladder problems. Famed herbalist Nicolas Culpepper wrote, “The decoction also helps to fasten the teeth that are loose in the gums.” This is of particular in- terest to me because according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys rule the bones and teeth. Goldenrod is particularly helpful for the Water Element, not
only for its diuretic and cleansing effect on the bladder and kid- neys; Solidago can help with infections and inflammation as well as stones and gravel. In addition to its heat clearing and sooth- ing properties, Goldenrod is also fortifying; it can help to boost Kidney Qi, the physical energy that governs the organ’s functions, and enrich the Yin, a moistening, receptive, nourishing quality. Solidago can even somewhat nourish the precious “Essence” or “Jing” -the very foundation from which we grow and thrive- that is stored energetically within the Kidneys. We inherit our Essence from our parents (ultimately all of our
ancestors), and we are born with a fixed amount. I like to call this Kidney Essence a “trust fund;” one could spend carefully, budget wisely and save for a rainy day in order to make even a meager inheritance last a long time. Some may be privileged enough to have inherited great genetic riches, but it is quite easy to squander a fortune! For our body’s daily requirements we utilize energy (Qi) that we receive through food, water, rest, air and relationships (obvi-
34 September 2010
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