Common goldenrod… Even if the name of this plant does not mean anything, most likely you have already met it more than once in nature, in illustrations in specialized books or pharmacies.
Common goldenrod. General description and cultivation. Features
Perennial herbaceous goldenrod can be found in forest edges, clearings and hilly slopes. It begins to bloom in July, and bear fruit in August. It can be found in the territories of Eastern Russia, the Caucasus, Siberia, Central Asia, as well as in the countries of Europe, Scandinavia and the Mediterranean. The height of the plant is about 80-100 cm. On the basis of an upright stem, leaves are practically absent, their main mass is concentrated in its upper part. Racemose inflorescences of a yellow hue are located at the top of the stem, their aroma is weakly expressed. The fruits of the plant have the shape of a cylinder with a tassel of seeds at the tip. The leaves are oblong, alternate with sharp serrated edges.
The beginning of flowering of goldenrod directly depends on the timing of transplantation, especially in the first few years. If you change the soil at the end of April, then the flowering period will begin 3 weeks later,than a plant transplanted in May. The common goldenrod is unpretentious, it is not afraid of drought. However, timely top dressing and moist soil extend the life of the plant up to 10 years.
Common goldenrod. Benefits
Goldenrod is a poisonous plant, but it is widely used in folk medicine. The chemical composition contains carbohydrates, polysaccharides, essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, resins, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. As a medicinal raw material, the ground part of the plant is more valued, the rhizomes are rarely used.
Collecting begins during the flowering period. However, do not assume that at this time you will see it in all its beauty, as they say. The common goldenrod, which is most often photographed by medical institutions or textbook publishers, requires special collection conditions.
First, the shoots are thoroughly washed and tied into bundles. Dry the grass in places inaccessible to sunlight.
Decoctions of goldenrod help well in the treatment of diseases of the gallbladder, liver, genitourinary system, and respiratory organs. When used externally, infusions can overcome various skin ailments, rheumatism, gout, burns and wounds.
Due to its positive effect on the human body, goldenrod is used as a remedy that can relieve involuntary urination, bleeding gums, and dropsy. In addition, decoctions from flowers and stems have a stimulating effect on metabolic processes, purify the blood.
Common goldenrod. How to use
For treatment, various decoctions and infusions from the stem and inflorescences of goldenrod are used. There are several special recipes for preparing funds. Decoctions must be taken orally according to certain schemes. Goldenrod infusions are used externally to treat boils, festering wounds and ulcers.
The plant extract is even part of the well-known drug "Prostanorm", which is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the prostate gland. For ailments of the urinary tract, "Cystium solidago" is used. This medicinal product of German origin also contains goldenrod.
Honey from this plant has a bitter taste, but has a number of useful properties. It is an excellent tool when you want to normalize metabolism.
The composition of goldenrod contains toxic substances, therefore, before using decoctions and infusions based on it, a doctor's consultation is required. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as children and individuals with individual intolerance, taking goldenrod is strictly contraindicated.
