Solidago is a herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.
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Uses
Solidago 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. Solidago is also used to treattuberculosis 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 solidago 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.
Solidago 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.
Benefits
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cautions
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking goldenrod if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use..
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Goldenrod may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking goldenrod.
Fluid retention (edema) due to heart or kidney conditions: “Irrigation therapy,” during which goldenrod is taken with large amounts of fluids to increase urine flow, should not be attempted in people with fluid retention due to heart or kidney disease.
High blood pressure: There is a concern that goldenrod might make the body accumulate more sodium, and this can make high blood pressure worse.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Herbal “irrigation therapy” may not work against infections and may require the addition of germ-killing medications. “Irrigation therapy” should be monitored closely. Don’t depend on it for clearing up an infection.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
References
GlobalHealingCenter, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/4-facts-goldenrod-kidney-health/