Goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

The leaves, petals and other parts of the goldenrod have been dried to be used as a medicine. Wounds, urinary troubles, kidney infections and mental problems have been treated with it. People used to say that teeth which had already loosened took root again, if the mouth was rinsed with an infusion made by simmering goldenrod leaves in water. The flower contains, for example, saponins, essential oils, aromatic bitters and tans.

The goldenrod is a perennial that grows straight up because of its solid stem. It blooms in late summer and in the autumn. Its northern subspecies (ssp. alpestris) can be found in the fell area. The goldenrod grows in light forests and smaller stands, groves, meadows and treeless fell areas as well as on the coast. The plant contains tannins and flavonoids. These substances are diuretic, and excessive use of goldenrod products can be harmful.