OVERVIEW

Goldenrod is a perennial plant, native to Europe and Asia, but naturalized in North America. It is a hardy plant, growing in pastures and along mountainsides. The botanical name Solidago comes from the Latin term "solidare," which means "to make whole." The plant grows 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) high, with alternating leaves and panicles of golden flowers on top. In the Americas, after the Boston Tea Party, the colonists, having just gotten rid of their favorite beverage, made a tea of goldenrod and called it "Liberty Tea". It was also used as a dye amongst the colonists. Other legends tell that the stem could be used by some as a divining rod, and that when it grows near a house, the occupants will be granted good fortune.

PARTS USED

The above ground parts of the plant, ground and chopped.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS

Traditionally used as a tea, sometimes available in tea bags. The tea should be drunk between meals. May also be taken as a capsule or extract.

PRECAUTIONS

Do not use during acute attacks of ki