Golden rod, Solidago spp., is often discredited as the cause of hay fever.  Not so.  the flowers may be steeped in hot water to make tea. (More) Commission E recommends S. canadensis as a therapy for calcium oxalate stones.

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis; Solidago spp.

Description:  Perennial with numerous species, S. canadensis the most common eastern species, has a smooth stem at the base, but hairy just below flower branches. Sharp toothed leaves are plentiful, lance-shaped with three veins. Golden flowers line up atop stem, in a broad, branched spire or triangular shaped cluster (panicle).  Plant found most often in colonies. Flowers: July-September.

Location:  Nationwide fields, meadows, roadsides, railroad right of ways, vacant lots, edges of fields.

Food:  Seeds, shoots and leaves edible.  Flowers made into a mild tea or used as a garnish on salads and other cold or hot dishes.

Traditional Uses:  First, goldenrod is not the weed that causes autumn allergies, that’s ragweed, but informants say goldenrod floral tea (fresh or dried) may protect a person from allergens (hypoallergenic). Dried leaves and flowers applied to wounds, styptic. Traditional herbalists and Pioneers used the tea to ward off acute infections like colds and flu, bronchitis, it induces the production of mucus.  Diuretic whole plant tea is a kidney tonic. 

 Modern Uses: Commission E approved for kidney and bladder stones as well a urinary tract infection. Plants gathered when in flower, dried and used in Europe as a spasmolytic (relaxant) and anti-inflammatory.  The drug is 6 to 12 grams dried aerial parts in infusion. People with kidney and bladder problems should only use the herb under medical supervision.

 Notes:  According to the PDR for Herbal Medicine (Third Edition) the herb “has a weak potential for sensitization (can cause allergies).”  Thus, use of the plant drug rarely causes allergic reaction. Also, the whole plant used as a yellow dye.

 Veterinarian/Wildlife:  Goldenrod nectar and pollen attracts bees, butterflies, wasps,,moths, flies, and others insects. Caterpillars, aphids, and other small insects eat the leaves and stems. Wasps, spiders, praying mantids, lacewings, ambush bugs, assassin bugs, beetles, and birds prey on these feasting insects.  There is a Goldenrod Spider who inhabits the plants.  Gall Flies lay eggs in the stems and leaves. Insect devouring Praying Mantis lay their eggs on Goldenrod because of its insect attracting power. The aerial parts infused were used to treat snakebite.