Goldenrod is a perennial member of the daisy and aster family also
known as European goldenrod, Aaron’s rod, Herb of Joy and woundwort. The
plant is native to Europe and Asia, but is now distributed throughout
North and South America. Due to the plant’s flowering habit in late
summer, goldenrod is often blamed for late season allergies when
ragweed, which is similar in appearance and flowers at the same time, is
the true culprit.
As some of the common names for this herb suggest, goldenrod is
traditionally used topically. In Europe, goldenrod is used to address
excess fluid in the body. In fact, because of the plant’s diuretic
properties, use of this herb may increase the risk of dehydration if
taken in conjunction with diuretic water pills.
