Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsStorageSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Storage
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Goldenrod supplements are often taken for their potential benefits related to kidney health, urinary tract issues, and bladder problems. Traditionally, people have used goldenrod to help with kidney stones and infections. It’s also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with joint pain and inflammation (rheumatism).
While goldenrod has a long history in traditional medicine, research on its effectiveness is still limited. Some studies suggest it may have healing properties, but more evidence is needed to back up those claims. Goldenrod supplements are available as teas, tinctures, and extracts. They are generally well-tolerated, but can cause mild side effects.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Benefits of Goldenrod
Goldenrod has been used as a diuretic (water pill) and an anti-inflammatory, as well as for urinary tract issues. However, there’s no solid evidence to support these claims.
In addition, goldenrod may possibly treat the following:
Diuretic
Goldenrod has traditionally been used as a diuretic.However, research supporting the diuretic effects of goldenrod has mostly been in animal models.The results of some of these studies are also conflicting. Further research is needed to confirm a diuretic effect in humans.
Despite a lack of clear scientific evidence supporting its benefits, goldenrod continues to be used as a diuretic in traditional medicine worldwide, including in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Sweden.
Anti-Inflammatory
The traditional use of goldenrod as an anti-inflammatory has been practiced in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and China.Research on the anti-inflammatory properties of goldenrod is limited to cellular studies and mice.
Human studies supporting the use of goldenrod for inflammation are lacking, and more research is needed.
Urological Issues
Goldenrod is also used to treat urinary tract issues ranging from kidney stones to urinary retention. However, human studies of goldenrod’s effects on urinary tract conditions are lacking, and the quality of the animal data is not enough to support the use of goldenrod in this manner.
What Are the Side Effects of Goldenrod?
Potential side effects associated with goldenrod seem to be minimal. The primary known side effect is gastrointestinal issues.However, the lack of reported side effects doesn’t necessarily mean this herb is safe for everyone to use.
Common Side Effects
Goldenrod has few side effects. People using goldenrod may experience an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal issues. Though these may be mild, contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms when using goldenrod.
Specific gastrointestinal issues that have been reported are typically minimal. They included cramping, pain, and nausea.
Allergic reactions can occur when using goldenrod. These can be minor (itching) to severe.
Severe Side Effects
Evidence of severe side effects from the use of goldenrod is lacking. However, the use of any herbal supplement can result in an allergic reaction.
An allergic response may result in swelling of the tongue and mouth.These are symptoms of a severe allergic reaction known asanaphylaxis. When these symptoms are present, stop using goldenrod and seek medical assistance immediately.
There are instances in which using goldenrod should be avoided. This is because there is little known about the effects of goldenrod.
Little information about goldenrod’s safety during pregnancy or while breastfeeding for the pregnant person, the fetus, or the infant is known. Therefore, using goldenrod is not recommended for people who are pregnant or nursing.
Information about the use of goldenrod in children under 12 years of age is also unknown.For the same reason, children under 12 years old should not use goldenrod.
It is generally accepted that goldenrod has diuretic effects. Because dehydration can occur, goldenrod is not recommended if you have a condition that limits fluid intake, such as renal or cardiac diseases.It’s recommended to drink a lot of water when using goldenrod.
Dosage: How Much Goldenrod Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Goldenrod can be taken in any of several preparations. When goldenrod is given as an infusion, the dose is 3–5 grams, given two to four times daily.As a liquid extract, the dose is 0.5–2 milliliters three times a day.This is the same dose as when taking goldenrod as a tincture.As a dry extract, the dose for goldenrod is 350–450 milligrams three times a day.
Goldenrod can also be prepared as a tea. To make an herbal tea with goldenrod, measure 3–4 grams of the dried herb. Steep this in 100 milliliters (about 3.5 ounces) of boiling water. Drink this tea three times a day.
Goldenrod Supplement Facts
What Happens If I Take Too Much Goldenrod?
There are no reported cases of overdose of goldenrod.The effects of taking too much goldenrod remain unknown. However, because of some of goldenrod’s effects, taking too much goldenrod may have negative results.
The diuretic effect of goldenrod may increase the risk of dehydration when using it alone or with another diuretic (e.g., plant-based or pharmaceutical diuretics). To avoid such effects when using goldenrod, drink a lot of water.
Goldenrod can interact with medications. Your healthcare provider can help you identify any potential interactions.
Goldenrod may have diuretic effects.It’s not recommended to take goldenrod with diuretic drugs. Diuretic drugs may include but are not limited to Lasix (furosemide) and Diuril (chlorothiazide). Taking goldenrod with diuretic medications may lead to dehydration or other side effects.
Other drugs may interact negatively with goldenrod as well. Be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider about everything you’re taking, including natural products. Stay aware of any changes to your health when you start taking something new.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know how much of each ingredient is in it. Please review labels and information with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Goldenrod
When considering how to store any herb or supplement, including goldenrod, read and follow the instructions for storage and disposal found on the package or label.
Goldenrod is known to have diuretic properties, as do the following:
Goldenrod and the above supplements have similar diuretic effects. Taking these supplements with goldenrod may result in excessive fluid elimination from the body. This may result in dehydration.
Lovage, birch, and parsley are considered to have a more potent diuretic effect than the other supplements listed above.Take precautions when using them along with goldenrod. To minimize risks, speak with your healthcare provider before using similar supplements with goldenrod.
Sources of Goldenrod & What to Look For
You can take goldenrod as a tea or dietary supplement. For tea, place a few sprigs of fresh goldenrod flowers and leaves in a jar or pot and pour boiling water over them; let steep for about 3-5 minutes. Do not steep it too long, as it will make it bitter. You can also buy tea bags or loose-leaf tea containing dried goldenrod.
Summary
Herbal supplements have a long history of traditional use. Goldenrod is no different. It is popular for its traditional effects on the lower urinary tract, inflammation, and bacteria and fungi. It is most commonly used as a diuretic.
Though these effects are accepted traditionally, research is only in the early stages of understanding these effects. Because there is no reliable data to support these claims, using goldenrod under the direction of your healthcare provider is recommended.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Fursenco C, Calalb T, Uncu L, Dinu M, Ancuceanu R.Solidago virgaureaL.: A review of its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities.Biomolecules. 2020;10(12):1619. doi:10.3390/biom10121619
European Medicines Agency.Overview of Comments Received on ‘Community Herbal Monograph on Solidagor virgaurae L., Herba’.Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use.2008;2-17.
European Medicines Agency.Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products: Community herbal monograph on Solidago virgaurea L., herba.Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use.2008;2-5.
European Medicines Agency.Assessment report on Solidago virgaurea L., Herba.Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use.2008;2-31
Yarnell E.Botanical medicines for the urinary tract.World J Urol. 2002;20(5):285-293. doi:10.1007/s00345-002-0293-0
Derda M, Hadas E, Thiem B.Plant extracts as natural amoebicidal agents.Parasitology research. 2009 Feb;104(3):705-8. DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1277-9.
Frumenzio E, Maglia D, Salvini E, et al.Role of phytotherapy association with antibiotic prophylaxis in female patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia. 2013 Dec 31;85(4):197-9. DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2013.4.197.
Tamura EK, Jimenez RS, Waismam K, et al.Inhibitory effects of Solidago chilensis Meyen hydroalcoholic extract on acute inflammation. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2009 Apr 21;122(3):478-85. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.01.029.
Wozniak D, Slusarczyk S, Domaradzki K, Drys A, Matkowski A. Comparison of polyphenol profile and antimutagenic and antioxidant activities in two species used as source of Solidanginis herba – goldenrod. Chimistry and biodiversity. 2018 Apr;15(4):e1800023. DOI:10.1002/cbdv.201800023. 404
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