Goldenrod

Goldenrod is an herbal supplement used as a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory, and an antispasmodic, as well as for gout, rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, acute pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, liver enlargement, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, allergic rhinitis, asthma, prostatic hypertrophy, "irrigation therapy" to increase urine flow to treat/prevent inflammatory disease of the lower urinary tract, urinary calculi, and kidney gravel.

There is insufficient information available about the effectiveness of goldenrod. More studies are needed.

Goldenrod is available under the following different brand names: Solidago.

Dosages of Goldenrod:

Suggested Dosing

• Drink at least 2 liters of water each day while taking goldenrod

Tea

• One cup of tea twice to four times daily between meals
• Seep 1-2 tsp (3-5 g) of the dried herb in 150 ml boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain
• The usual dose ranges from 6-12 g/day

Liquid Extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol)

• 0.5-2 ml twice to three times daily

Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol)

• 0.5-1 ml twice to three times daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See "Suggested Dosing"

Side effects of Goldenrod include:

• allergic symptoms

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Goldenrod has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Goldenrod has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Goldenrod has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of goldenrod include:
  • amiloride
  • bendroflumethiazide
  • bumetanide
  • chlorothiazide
  • chlorthalidone
  • cyclopenthiazide
  • drospirenone
  • ethacrynic acid
  • furosemide
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • indapamide
  • methyclothiazide
  • metolazone
  • spironolactone
  • torsemide
  • triamterene

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains goldenrod. Do not take Solidago if you are allergic to goldenrod or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Pollen hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Goldenrod?"

Long-Term Effects

• Avoid using goldenrod for long periods or in large quantities
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Goldenrod?"

Cautions

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking goldenrod if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 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.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Consult your physician before taking goldenrod during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.