Goldenrod Ethnobotany

Solidago of the Upper Delaware (Wayne County, PA and adjacent counties)

How The Ancients Used The Plants

With Special Focus on Native American Herbal Medicine

& How to Use Them Today

The generic name comes from solidare,

for the plant is known as a vulnerary, or one that makes whole.
-Grieve
Definitions of Terms:
axillary in the junction of leaf and stem (axil)
basal at the base
cauline of the stem
crenate with rounded teeth
glabrous without hairs
involucral bracts leaf-like structures subtending the flower
panicle branched raceme
pubescent with short soft hairs
raceme inflorescence with stalked flowers
serrate with sharp, forward directed teeth
squarrose abruptly recurved or spreading

Chippewa called Solidago gizisomukiki meaning sun medicine;

used for fevers, ulcers, and boils.
The name Solidago comes from the Latin solidus + agree, meaning that it causes to
solidify, to bring together the lips of a wound. Solidago was one of the main woundremedies of the Middle Ages
OjibweIt is as if the plant was storing for winter
It has long been recognized that Solidago is a kidney medicine. The Goldenrod problem
begins with a lack of endurance, a lack of strength to persevere through difficulty, an
inability to process what is necessary to get to the end
Goldenrod is well-suited to patients with exhausted kidneys which can no longer pull in
the blood. They have tired backs and tired feet
-Wood
Alabama used root infusion for colds. Algonquin used plant infusion for heart disease.
Blackfoot used plant infusion for nasal congestion; chewed root or plant infusion for sore
throats, throat constrictions, and nasal congestion; infusion used as supernatural panacea.
Cherokee used plant infusion for fevers. Chippewa used root decoction externally and
internally for cramps; decoction of dried leaves for fevers. Iroquois used for hemorrhage.
The Alabama used the roots of an unidentified species for a tea drunk for a cold; a piece
of the root was sometimes put into the cavity of an aching tooth used in fevers and pain
in the chest. Roots were used for a poultice on boils
Vogel
Lenape boiled Goldenrod in the water for sweat lodges.

KEY TO OUR SPECIES OF SOLIDAGO:

A. wand-shaped or axillary clusters
B. mainly axillary clusters
C. stems zigzag S. flexicaulis Zigzag Goldenrod
C. stems not zigzag S. caesia Bluestem Goldenrod
B. wand-shaped
D. creamy white flowers S. bicolor Silver-rod
D. yellow flowers
E. involucral bracts squarrose S. squarrosa Stout Goldenrod
E. involucral bracts not squarrose S. uliginosa Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
A. pyramidal
F. triple nerved
G. stems glabrous
H. leaves long-petioled and persistant S. juncea Early Goldenrod
H. leaves shriveled by flowering time S. gigantea Smooth Goldenrod
G. stems pubescent at least to midpoint
I. upper leaves serrate S. canadensis Canada Goldenrod
I. upper leaves minutely serrate to entire S. altissima Late Goldenrod
F. pinnately veined
J. stems glabrous
K. lowest cauline leaves clasping S. uliginosa Bog Goldenrod
K. lowest cauline leaves not clasping
L. stems ridged S. patula Spreading Goldenrod
L. stems round
M. basal leaves gradually tapering S. juncea Early Goldenrod
M. basal leaves abruptly narrowed S. arguta Forest Goldenrod
J. stems pubescent
N. leaves glabrous S. odora Sweet Goldenrod
N. leaves pubescent
O. sharply toothed S. rugosa Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod

O. entire or obscurely crenate S. nemoralis Gray Goldenrod

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES BOTANY & ETHNOBOTANY

Late Goldenrod S. altissima
Flowers: The inflorescence is a spreading pyramidal cluster at the top of the stem with the

flowers on one side of each branch of the cluster, which branch tends to recurve backward
(downward). Flowers: The yellow flower heads are less than 1/4 inch across, composed of
two types of flowers: 5 to 13 tiny pointed ray florets which are pistillate and fertile, and 3 to 6
disc florets with yellow corollas whose lips are pointed and erect to spreading during
pollination. These are bisexual and fertile. The thin linear phyllaries are also yellowish color in
one variety and greenish in another, and these surround the flower head in 3 series of unequal
size.
Leaves & Stem: 1 to 5 feet; Leaves are alternate, narrow and lance shaped with sharp
teeth, larger leaves with two noticeable veins parallel to the mid-rib. Upper stem leaves will be
without teeth. Most leaves are sessile (stalkless) but base leaves may have a short stalk. The
underside of the leaf has hair on the main veins and nerves.
Habitat: Late (Canada) Goldenrod is subject to three different types of stem galls caused by
tiny insects that lay their eggs on the plants The larva from the hatched egg then eats its way
into the stem. In two cases (ball gall and spindle gall) the plant then responds to this event by
rapidly increasing cell growth around the intrusion, enveloping the larva in a woody protective
sheathing that not only keeps the larva safe, but they have a ready-made food supply for the
remainder of the summer and a home to overwinter in and emerge in spring as a new adult,
unless a woodpecker finds them. In the case of the rosette gall (below right), the plant creates
a dense growth of what looks like small leaves at the top of the plant after a larva hatches at
the top of the stem. This rosette is caused by the plant stopping stem growth without stopping
leaf production. In the case of the spindle gall (below center), the eggs are laid on an autumn
leaf where they overwinter. In spring the hatched larva migrate from the dead leaf to a nearby
stem, bore in for a home and the plant responds as indicated above.

Medicinal: Chippewa used adjidamowano (squirrel tail) as a medicine for cramps.

Compound poultice of flowers applied to burns. Poultice of moistened, pulverized root
applied to boils. Poultice of moistened, dry flowers applied to ulcers.
Forest Goldenrod S. arguta
Flowers: racemes horizontally spreading, 5- 8 rays
Leaves & Stem: lower leaves persist into flowering, sharply double-toothed. broadly
egg-shaped, acuminate; stem smooth, 2-4 feet tall
Habitat: dry open woods
Medicinal: I have not yet found reference to this species being used medicinally.
Silver-rod S. bicolor
Flowers:
Leaves & Stem:
Habitat:
Medicinal:
Bluestem Goldenrod S. caesia
Flowers: heads in axillary clusters, 3-8 rays
Leaves & Stem: 3; narrowly oval or elliptic
Habitat:
Medicinal:

Canada Goldenrod S. canadensis

Flowers: rays very small
Leaves & Stem: pubescent above middle
Habitat: fields and roadsides
Medicinal: Iroquois used When there is no appetite in morning because there is too
much gall an emetic. Goldenrod removes the gall because the flower is yellow. Steep
handful in 4-5 qt. water until is left. Add cool water. Drink 3 qt. until stomach hurts,
then vomit using fingers. Then take more. Do this 3 days before breakfast. This
medicine is used in the spring.
For baby who starts suddenly, especially in sleep.
Gall used for gambling medicine.
Root infusion taken for side pain.
Meskwaki used in compound decoction for children who do not talk or laugh.
Okanagan used flower infusion for diarrhea.
Shuswap used plant infusion as bath for mother during childbirth.
Navajo used as a good luck charm for gambling and roots smoked with tobacco.
Chippewa used flowers from variation scabra in compound poultice for burns.
Zigzag Goldenrod S. flexicaulis
Flowers: 10 13 rays
Leaves & Stem: oval to elliptic
Habitat:
Medicinal: Iroquois used for biliousness when excrement is yellow. One plant is boiled
with one of Solanum dulcamara (Woody Nightshade) in 3 quarts water until reduced to
; to be taken one cup before breakfast.
Chippewa used as womens medicine and chewed root for sore throats, also calling it
adjidamowano (squirrel tail).
Menominee used snuff of leaves for headache.
Potawatomi used infusion of whole plant for certain fevers.
Smooth Goldenrod S. gigantea
Flowers: 9-17 rays, pyramidal panicles with recurved, one-sidded branches
Leaves & Stem: sharp toothed
Habitat:
Medicinal: Keres used leaf infusion as a cathartic.

Early Goldenrod S. juncea

Flowers: 8-12 rays
Leaves & Stem: basal leaves sharply toothed, tapering to lance-shaped above, nearly
entire by middle
Habitat: fields and borders, dry soils
Medicinal: For vomiting yellow and fever- 1 root in 2 qt. boiling water. Drink anytime.
For jaundice yellow skin, dizziness, eyeballs turn yellow, nausea. Put a near handful
in gallon until scum forms on top. Drink as much as stomach can hold.
When you throw up and cannot stop, biliousness. Pour boiling water over 1 flower in
basin. Drink that, then drink cupful for a while, then if it does not stop keep
drinking.
Emetic. Several recipes listed. Put 4 bunches of flowers in 4 qt. water. Bring to boil,
let cool, and strain. Drink repeatedly until full. Do this three mornings before eating.
Face east before vomiting, vomit into old pail, and tie a piece of cloth around your
forehead or else you will get a headache. Throw vomit in river in the direction it is
flowing.
Lenape used leaves (chewed or as tea) for diarrhea and fever.
Chippewa used root decoction for convulsions.
used for diseases of women, also called adjidamowano (squirrel tail)
Gray Goldenrod S. nemoralis
Flowers: flower clusters more-or-less one sided
Leaves & Stem: basal leaves bluntly or obscurely toothed; leaves and stem grayish and
finely hairy, 6 to 36 inches tall
Habitat: dry fields and open woods
Medicinal: Iroquois: Good for the kidneys. Boil handful of roots in 6 qt. of water until
4 qt. remain. Take a glass 3 times a day before meals.
Houma used for jaundice.
Mahuna used leaves as poultice or wash for burns and skin ulcers. Decoction of plant
used as a bath for 7-year itch (wandering eyes).
Navajo used as incense.
S. nemoralis carminative and diaphoretic - Meyer

Sweet Goldenrod S. odora

Flowers: nodding-tipped terminal panicle, slender,
Leaves & Stem: to 5
Habitat: open forests and forest margins
Medicinal: Solidago odora was listed in the United States Dispensatory as aromatic,
moderately stimulant, carminative, and diaphoretic. It may be used to relieve pain
arising from flatulence, to allay nausea, and to cover the taste or correct the operation of
unpleasant or irritating medicines. For these purposes it may be given in infusion. The
volatile oil dissolved in alcohol is employed in the Eastern States. According to Pursh,
the dried flowers are used as a pleasant and wholesome substitute for common tea.
S. odora aromatic, moderately stimulant, and carminative when cold; diaphoretic when
warm; teaspoon of leaves to cup of water, 1 to 2 cups per day by large mouthfuls Meyer
Wash for burns. Bee stings. Tonic. Mouthwash and skin wash. For digestion and gas.
-Tom Brown
Cherokee used for female obstructions (abortifacient); infusion for bloody diarrhea,
colds, coughs, diaphoretic for fevers, nerves, measles, tuberculosis; root infusion held in
mouth for neuralgia; root chewed for sore mouth; stimulant, tonic ____
As East Medicine: As special medicine in October of each year the sacred fire was
rekindled at the fall ceremony, called A tsi la, gal un ka we tsi ye. Dried goldenrod, or sa
ni ti, was used in this ceremony, along with a prayer-chant giving thanks in the Four
Directions. Sacred tobacco was offered to the fire. An elder said, The small clusters of
yellow floweres reach out to let you know they are there to help you or make you sneeze.
You cannot miss them in the field. Goldenrod was always a special plant to the
Cherokee. It was used externally as an astringent after birth, and for treating fungal
conditions, such as Candida albicans, common to women.
As South Medicine: flower-heads chewed for sore throats, externally for bee stings and
swelling, with plantain for wounds and inflammation; roots for toothache
As West Medicine: leaf tea for intestinal gas and fevers; kidney and bladder stones,
exhaustion, fatigue, diuretic for fluid retention, kidney and intestinal inflammation
As North Medicine: root tea for tonic, stimulant, nerves (especially before ceremonial
dances), throat. Combined with Ragweed for serious colds.
used today for exhaustion fatigue, sore throat
- Garrett (reference to sneezing may show a mis-understanding; also this author believes
Goldenrod to have been introduced from Europe)
digestive stimulant, diaphoretic, mild astringent, colic, regulate menses, stomach cramps,
colds, coughs, fevers, dysentery, diarrhea, measles; externally as a wash for rheumastim,
neuralgia, headaches
Dr. Christopher used S. odora in combination for influenza. He gives the following
recipe: 2 ounces Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa), 2 ounces Goldenrod, ounce
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), and 1 teaspoon Cayenne (Capsicum fritescens; C.
minimum) as powders; one teaspoon per cupful of hot water given freely; with
improvement decrease amount of Pleurisy Root and increase Cayenne.

Spreading Goldenrod S. patula

Flowers:
Leaves & Stem: stem 4-sided, to 7 feet; upper surface of leaves very rough, which is
why it is also called Rough-Leaved Goldenrod
Habitat: wetlands, likes limestone
Medicinal:
Downy Goldenrod S. puberula
Flowers:
Leaves & Stem:
Habitat:
Medicinal: Used by Natives as a liver stimulant, antipyretic, antidiarrheal, and more.
The Meskwaki people would also use it in children having difficulty starting to speak or
laugh
Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod S. rugosa
Flowers:
Leaves & Stem:
Habitat:
Medicinal:
Stout Goldenrod S. squarrosa
Flowers:
Leaves & Stem:
Habitat:
Medicinal: Was dried and mixed with dried Ground Cherry (Physalis heterophylla) by
the Iroquois for treating scalds, burns, and venereal disease.
Bog Goldenrod S. uliginosa wesawano'kk [yellow plant]
Flowers: 4-8 disk flowers
Leaves & Stem: upper leaf surface smooth, stem smooth
Habitat: swamps & wet thickets
Medicinal: The Potawatomi call attention to the fact that this plant has a root like a
turnip, but very much harder and say that they use it to make a poultice
to bring a boil to a head. The National Dispensatory117 says that it has
been used among eclectic practitioners as a mild carminative and a
spasmodic and intestinal astringent. - Ethnobotany of the Forest Potawatomi - H.H.Smith

QUICK CHART FOR IDENTIFICATION:

Club/Wand Pyramid
-shaped
-shaped

Late Goldenrod
S. altissima

Forest G.
S. arguta

Silver-rod
S. bicolor

Bluestem G.
S. caesia

Canada G.
S. canadensis
Zigzag G.
S. flexicaulis

Triple Pinnate Stem

-nerved veins
pub.

Stem
glab.

Leaf
pub.

Leaf
glab.

Leaf
Leaf
toothed entire

X
X

X
X

Smooth G.
S. gigantea

Early Goldenrod
S. juncea

Gray Goldenrod
S. nemoralis

Sweet Goldenrod
S. odora

Spreading G.
S. patula

X?

Downy Goldenrod
S. puberula
X

Stout Goldenrod
S. squarrosa
X
Bog Goldenrod

X
X

Wrinkleleaf G.
S. rugosa

X
X

X
X

Wet
soil

Dry
soil

X
X

X
X

X
X

S. uliginosa

X
X
X
X
X
MAJOR MEDICINAL CATEGORIES OF GOLDENRODS
AS USED BY NATIVE AMERICANS

TONIC

canadensis
odora

URINARY

nemoralis
odora

RESPIRITORY canadensis
flexicaulis
FEVER

canadensis
flexicaulis
juncea

DIGESTIVE

LIVER

canadensis
flexicaulis
juncea
nemoralis
odora

COLON

canadensis
gigantean
juncea
nemoralis
odora

SMALL odora
INTESTINE
SKIN

canadensis
flexicaulis
juncea
DOCTRINE OF SIGNATURES

Grows at level of kidneys. Yellow flowers. Strong, upright growth

OVERLAP OF SPECIES BY USE

Peter Holmes (in The Energetics of Western Herbs) lists S. virgaurea, S. serotina, S.
scandens, S. odora (ours), S. canadensis (ours), and spp. as being medicinally used.
Tilford lists S. multiradiata, S. canadensis, S. occidentalis, and S. gigantea as species to
be used interchangeably.
Solidago virgaurea - bitter, astringent; aromatic, stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic; for
stones in the bladder, dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, diphtheria -Grieve
S. virgaurea approved by German Commission E for irrigation therapy for inflammatory
disease of the lower urinary tract, urinary calculi and kidney gravel, and as prophylaxis
for urinary calculi and kidney gravel.
S. virgaurea was used in early research on active constituents (Dr. Vogel and Roggwil)
-Green Pharmacy Barbara Griggs
HOMEOPATHY & FLOWER ESSENCES
tuberculosis (2x); weakness; chilliness alternating with heat; burning in throat; pains in
limbs and thoracic oppression; dysuria with pain in kidney region; kidneys sensitive to
pressure; Brights disease
Eyes- injected, watery, burning, stinging
Nose- nares irritated with abundant mucus; paroxysms of sneezing
Stomach- bitter taste esp. at night; coated tongue; scanty brown urine
Respiratory- bronchitis; cough, blood-streaked; oppressed breathing; asthma
Female- uterine enlargement; organ pushing on bladder; fibroid tumors
Urine- scanty, reddish brown, thick sediment; dysuria; gravel; difficult and scanty;
albumen, blood, and slime; pain in kidneys extends to abdomen and bladder; clear and
offensive;
Back- backache of congested kidneys
Skin- bloches, especially on lower extremities; threatened gangrene
30x or higher is used when hayfever is due to Goldenrod
pollen cause lung hemorrhage in tuberculosis
Goldenrod offers us a multitude of gifts. It relives symptoms of those suffering from allergies and also
helps with sinus problems. One reason it helps with sinus problems is because it clears the third eye.
Goldenrod encourages one to be true to self and have spine in the face of peer, family, and social pressure.
It helps us to be a Goldenrod of God, non-recordant to the judgments of others and clear about who we
truly are. It will help us find our backbone when we need to make tough decisions or radically change our
life situation. Goldenrod Essence supports the process of finding your true life and then courageously,
joyously living it.
I am Gods Truth at my point in the universe. - Green Hope Farm

Holmes considers Goldenrod to be a mild remedy with chronic toxicity, with caution in
deficiency cold conditions.
He discusses Goldenrod as a diuretic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory; for use with
kidney congestion, edema, urinary infections, mucus, allergies, and intestinal infections.

A moderate stimulant, an aromatic, it was used by the Indians as such but also a pleasant-tasting disguise
for the frequently repellant taste of other herbs. Goldenrod also contained medicinal properties for bowel
weakness and, most notably, when the bladder had lost its muscular energy. For both of these problems, a
decoction of the leaves was deemed strengthening. Parenthetically, this treatment was favored, too, by a
long procession of Irish herbalists.
An infusion of the leaves and tops served to ease Indian colic pains. The mashed fresh plant, bound
with fat, became a poultice for sore throat. Today, the Zuni chew goldenrod for the same purpose. -Scully
Goldenrod is indicated when anuria or oliguria develop in acute nephritis- renal output will go up instanty.
On the other hand, caution will be required in cases of sub-acute or chronic nephritis, where increased renal
output is not always desired Weiss
Begins to bloom in Virgo (ruling liver and intestines) continues through Libra (ruling the kidneys)
Culpeper considers it to be ruled by Venus; for kidney stones, as a diuretic; decoction of herb or distilled
water of for bruises, bleeding, and wounds; fluxes of humours, bloody-fux, and womens courses; ruptures
and burstings; for inward and outward hurts; sores of the mouth, throat, or privy parts of man and woman;
The decoction also helps to fasten the teeth that are loose in the gums.
soothing urinary system tonic; increases kidney function; diuretic; mild antiinflammatory & antispasmodic.
Diaphoretic when taken in hot water.
Inflammation or infection of the genito-urinary tract; kidney pain; suppressed, difficult, or scanty urination;
backache associated with the kidneys; urinary stones or gravel; ulcerations of the bladder. Fevers.
30-40 drops 2 to 5 times per day of tincture from fresh flowering tops of Solidago spp.

Bibliograpy:
A Guide to Green Hope Farm Flower Essences
A Modern Herbal Mrs. M. Grieve
A Treasury of American Indian Herbs Virginia Scully
American Indian Medicine Virgil J. Vogel
Culpepers Complete Herbal Nicholas Culpeper
Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West Gregory L. Tilford
Folk Medicine of the Delaware and Related Algonkian Indians Gladys Tantaquidgeon
Herbal Medicine Rudolf Fritz Weiss
Herbal Medicine Blumenthal. Goldberg, and Brinckmann
Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory William Boerieke, M.D.
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts Frances Densmore
Iroquois Medical Botany James W. Herrick
Lenape Lore Medicines
Native American Ethnobotany Daniel E. Moerman
Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs Foster and Duke
School of Natural Healing Dr. John R. Christopher
The Book of Herbal Wisdom Matthew Wood
The Cherokee Herbal J. T. Garrett
The Energetics of Herbs Peter Holmes
The Herbalist Joseph E. Meyer
Therapeutic Herb Manual Ed Smith
Tom Browns Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants Tom Brown
United States Dispensatory 1867 George B. Wood, M.D. and Franklin Bache, M.D.
Uses of Plants by the Chippewa Indians Frances Densmore
Wildflowers in the Field and Forest Steven Clemants and Carol Gracie