Common name: golden rod
Botanical name: Solidago canadensis and virgaurea (there are many other species of Solidago)
Botanical family: Asteraceae
Cultivation
Golden rod is native to North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. It is perennial but will die off in winter. It spread easily via its root system.
How does it do here in Central Otago? It grows well. It’s very hardy, tolerates frost and draught to an extent, although it will do better with extra water over the hot summer months.
Traditional medicinal uses
Its main affinities are with the respiratory and urinary systems. It is often used to treat sinusitis and urinary tract infections.
It is anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, carminative, diaphoretic and diuretic.
How to use it?
Part used: aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers).
It can be infused fresh in vinegar, or tinctured in alcohol or glycerine. It can also be used as tea.
Mythology/Folklore
Its name comes from the Latin “Solidare” which means “to make whole”.
References
Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carole Fisher
A Modern Herbal by Mrs M. Grieve
