Goldenrod
Latin Name: Solidago canadensis
French Name: Goldenrod
English Name: Goldenrod
Botanical Family Name: Asteraceae
Origin: Canada
Harvest time: July and August
Distilled Parts: Aerial part
Organoleptic Characteristics: Aerial part
Components: a-pinene, germacrène-D, limonene, myrcene
Origin
Goldenrod is recognizable by its very small and numerous flower heads. In summer and fall, the plant displays a bright yellow flowering top throughout Quebec. It prefers wetlands, riverbanks, and the great St. Lawrence Valley.
History
The First Nations have taught us a lot about the applications and therapeutic properties of North American plants. The Iroquois nation used the roots and flowers of Goldenrod in herbal tea for an analgesic effect on side stitches or for its emetic effect in cases of excess bile. The Iroquois, like the Thompsons, also sought the calming effect of Goldenrod to treat sleep disorders in infants. They prepared an infusion of tubers to give to babies or a decoction of the whole plant to put in their bath. Many therapeutic properties and uses are also known of Goldenrod such as antipyretic, antidiarrheal, liver stimulant, analgesic for sore throats (by chewing the crushed flowers), vulnerary (in a cleansing decoction for the pains and wounds of horses). Scientific research today confirms and validates this empirical knowledge that has been passed down to us from generation to generation for several thousand years.
Essential oil aromatherapy properties
Physical
- Circulatory system: pericarditis, endocarditis, arteritis, hypertension.
- Skin system: itching, allergic irritative dermatitis, erythema, rosacea.
- Digestive system: small liver failure (Food poisoning)
- Nervous system: nervousness, neurovegetative imbalance.
- Osteo-articular system: arthritis, muscular rheumatism, tendinitis
Uses
Goldenrod essential oil is excellent for diffusing to relax the mind and atmosphere with its beautiful floral scent.
Massage it under the feet and behind the neck with a carrier oil to calm nervousness and promote good sleep.
Also blended with a carrier oil, applied to the face in the evening after cleansing, Goldenrod essential oil revives the skin and complexion.
Contra-indications
None known under normal physiological doses.
References
- http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Myrc%C3%A8ne
- http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Limon%C3%A8ne
- Thurbide, Michel, L’aromathérapie, Huiles Essentielles du Québec et du monde, Applications thérapeutiques, Otterburn Park, Québec, Édition Santé-Arôme, 2015
- Frère Marie-Victorin, Rouleau Ernest, Brouillet Luc et collaborateurs, Flore laurentienne 3e édition, Gaëtan Morin Éditeur ltée, 2002.
- Moerman Daniel E., Native American Ethnobotany, Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 1998.