Goldenrod(Solidago virgaurea) is a species that occurs naturally throughout Poland. Old folk names for goldenrod are, among others a golden rod, goldsmith or mimosa. The plant owes these names to its golden-yellow, honey-bearing flowers that appear from mid-summer to autumn. Then it creates wonderful yellow carpets that cover entire fields. Thehe alth properties of goldenrodused as a herbal raw material are highly valued. See whatthe cultivation of goldenrodin the garden looks like and how to use its herb.
Goldenrod - Solidago virgaurea
Fig. © Herbi
Goldenrod - properties
Goldenrod reaches up to 1 m in heightIts stems are stiff, single, from July to September topped with yellow paniculate inflorescences. It grows in clearings, thickets and light forests, dry meadows and moors.
Goldenrod is primarily a honey plant , valued by beekeepers ( although there are also reservations that in prolonged winters, goldenrod honey can harm bees). Thanks to its low requirements, it grows abundantly in various places, being a honeybee for bees at the end of summer. However, it is also worth knowing that its flowers can also be pollinated by butterflies and flies.
Unfortunately, the commongoldenrod can be harmful to domestic cattle , in which it causes poisoning, fever and excessive urination.
Its properties are used, however, by herbalists and medical specialists natural. The healing properties of goldenrodare due to the presence of substances such as:
- flavonoids , which have anti-inflammatory properties and seal blood vessels,
- triterpene saponins , which are diuretic and anti-inflammatory,
- catechin tannins , which have a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and astringent effect,
- phenolic compounds , which are cholagogic, antiseptic and astringent,
- essential oil , responsible for the bitter and slightly tart taste of goldenrod
These healing properties of goldenrod, makethat it can be used both internally and externally against a wide variety of conditions
Internally herb goldenrod is used in the case of :
- inflammation of the urinary tract (inflammation of the glomeruli, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder),
- helpful in urolithiasis and gout,
- in gastroenteritis as a general detoxifying agent in rheumatism.
Fresh and dried goldenrod herb
Fig. depositphotos.com
Externally goldenrod can be applied to :
- treating inflammation and infections of the mouth and throat,
- soothing skin damage, rashes, itching, skin abrasions.
While appreciating the aforementioned healing properties of goldenrod herb, we must also remember aboutcontraindications to the use of goldenrodPreparations from goldenrod should not be administered in the case of edema caused by heart or kidney failure. Moreover, it is not recommended to use any goldenrod preparations in children under 12 years of age.
Apart from the herb,goldenrod honey also has beneficial properties Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain it, because many other plant species bloom in the same period as goldenrod, and goldenrod honey is mainly a part of multiflower mixtures. Pure goldenrod honey can only be obtained in autumn. It then has a light color and a sour aftertaste.
Goldenrod - application
In gardening, goldenrod is usedas an ornamental flowering plant that is easy to grow. In flowerbeds it is worth planting the usuallyornamental varieties of goldenrodof goldenrod with other species of goldenrod. They are referred to as garden goldenrod (Solidago x hybrida). They may differ in terms of flowering date, growth force and habit.
Among the best-known varieties of garden goldenrod, it is worth mentioning :
- goldenrod 'Goldking'(dwarf variety, blooms from late August to October),
- goldenrod 'Hiddigeigei'(in early spring it creates attractive clumps of intensely golden butt leaves, from which stiff, leafy stems with green foliage grow later, blooms from August to September),
- goldenrod 'Laurin'(dwarf variety, growing only up to 50 cm tall, blooms from the end of August to the beginning of October, recommended for rockeries, borders and for growing in pots)
In gardens, both goldenrod and its varieties should be plantedalso as honey plants, attracting bees to the garden. The pure species can be used as a herbal raw material.
The goldenrod herb is used in the treatment ofinflammation of the urinary tract, kidney stones, as well as auxiliary in rheumatic diseases and hypertension.Goldenrod applied externally helps in the treatment ofdifficult to heal wounds, ulcers and inflammations of the mouth and throat. For flabby skin and muscles, it is worth preparing abath with goldenrodShoots with goldenrod inflorescences can also be cut into bouquets and dried.
Goldenrod - cultivation
Goldenrod can grow in various positions , although it blooms best in sunny places. It is undemanding in terms of soil, resistant to frost and drought (remember, however, about watering the plants grown in pots).
When deciding to grow goldenrod, however, remember that it is quite an expansive plantand sometimes it is a nuisance for gardeners who cannot get rid of it from the garden. Therefore,we recommend growing goldenrod mainly inpots (especially dwarf varieties). We should also remember to cut off the fading inflorescences of goldenrod to prevent the spontaneous spreading of its seeds.
