Goldenrod

Description

• PLANT:

Goldenrod (Solidago vurga-aurea), also known as hierba de los judíos, originates from Asia and Europe and has adapted to other environments, including waste ground, open spaces and rolling hills in North America.
It is a perennial herb measuring between 70 centimetres and 1 metre in height. Its stems bear golden-yellow, plume-like flowers arranged in rows. Its leaves are toothed and its stem rhizome is purplish red. Its fruits are yellowish and topped by a tuft of hairs.
In Europe, this plant flowers particularly in dry, open woodland at the end of summer. Its flower heads are arranged in dense clusters and contain tubular flowers.
In the Middle Ages, goldenrod was much sought after to treat cuts, drunk as a tea or applied as an ointment.

• COMPOSITION:

Its chemical components include flavonoids (isorhamnetol, quercetol, glucorhamnosides and kaempferol), phenylcarboxylic acid, salicylic acid and caffeic acid, anthocyanosides (myocyanin, cyanidin-3-diglucoside), tannins (saponosides), essential oils and monoterpenes, mucilage and inulins.

• COSMETIC PROPERTIES AND USES:

This plant reduces fungal reproduction and inhibits the development of various fungal diseases, such as oral candidiasis caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
Gargling is recommended for treating conditions in the mouth. This remedy is also indicated for relieving the symptoms of mouth ulcers or sores.
Externally, it is applied to wounds, skin ulcers, eczema, boils, spots and fungal infections.
It has also been credited with significant medicinal healing properties. Its flowers and leaves can be applied with oil or used as a poultice for wounds and burns. Due to its essential oil and mucilage content, a poultice made with goldenrod oil can be used as a balm.
It is also used for some skin conditions, such as eczema, wounds and skin ulcers.