When I spend time in our home away from home, in Bavaria, I often take walks along the Inn River. Strolling along the moist banks of the river in the summer turns into an intense adventure in yellow. Solidago canadiensis forms a wall of bright golden yellow flowers, sometimes drowning out all other plants and flowers. When I return from my walk, I sometimes pick out a botany or aromatherapy book and refresh my knowledge about this unique plant and its fascinating oil.

Goldenrod (Solidago canadiensis), with its precious sesquiterpenes, is an often overlooked essential oil. It has long been recognized by herbal medicine for its benefits for the urinary tract and its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic properties. Due to its composition being dominated by gentle components, the oil transports these properties in a way that is particularly easy for the kidneys to process. Consequently, Goldenrod oil is commonly used to support urinary tract health, soothe respiratory allergies, and promote wound healing.

However, French Style Aromatherapy recommends it also for inflammation of the outer and inner linings of the heart as well as inflamed arteries. Fitting with contemporary issues, Goldenrod is also recommended for nervousness, neurovegetative imbalances, and hypertension.

While Goldenrod is not among the most familiar oils, its calming effects make it something like a secret weapon in the anti-anxiety arsenal. It balances an out-of-kilter autonomic nervous system, minimizing the accompanying manifestations of a hyper-excited sympathicus nerve (such as aggravated stress), irregular heartbeat and breathing, shortness of breath (asthma), racing thoughts, obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal problems.

There are several essential oils that go well with Goldenrod by supporting its balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system. Some of our favorite Goldenrod allies are listed below.

Best -

Kurt

Goldenrod

Some of Goldenrod's Main Components

 α-Pinene (10% – 15%) - A monoterpene that provides woody undertones and offers antioxidant and antibacterial benefits.

Limonene (10% – 25%) - A citrusy monoterpene valued for its uplifting properties. 

A Few of Goldenrod's Allies