Solidago (Solidago canadensis)

Solidago (Solidago canadensis) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Eastern North America, Canada, and United States. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Solidago (Solidago canadensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Solidago (Solidago canadensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Solidago
Scientific Name	Solidago canadensis
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Solidago
Species	canadensis
Native Range	Eastern North America, Canada, United States
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Solidago canadensis
Common Name: Solidago
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Solidago

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Racemose inflorescence with yellow flowers, actinomorphic symmetry, five花瓣 with prominent central disk, and pale yellow ligules.
Stems: Erect growth habit, opposite branching, hairy surface, and presence of leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Commonly referenced as a gentle bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a moderate anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a warming diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Terpenoid: Plant-produced compounds commonly found in essential oils and resins.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moderately moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.