Is the goldenrod (Solidago) poisonous? Risks for humans and animals

The goldenrod with its bright yellow flowers is not only pretty to look at, but is also a tried and tested remedy, especially for urinary tract diseases of all kinds. But is it really completely harmless? Read what to look out for with this plant.

species

Different types - similar uses

The goldenrod or golden rue (Solidago) belongs to the daisy family and is sometimes quite popular with gardeners with its yellow flowers it is relatively undemanding, robust and easy to care for, and due to its different species and heights of growth it can be used for a variety of purposes leaves. Individual copies of certain types can be up to 250 cm high. The genus Solidago includes up to 100 species, but there are mainly three goldenrod types native to this country. of medical importance and with a similar purpose.

• Common goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
• Giant golden rod (Solidago gigantea)
• Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

The golden rue is popularly known by many other names, such as: B. Gold wound herb, stick herb, heathen wound herb, forest herb, lap herb, St. Peters, Peter staff, bed straw, ox herb, power healing herb, precious wound herb or golden virgin, to name just a few.

Plant substances

Healing power and ingredients

The ancient Germanic peoples used the golden rue for various healing purposes. Traditionally it is used because of its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic dehydrating effect used to treat a wide variety of diseases such as those below listed.

• Bladder and kidney problems
• Wound treatment
• Gout and rheumatism
• Skin disorders
• Bowel disease

The parts close to the flower such as stems, shoot tips and leaves as well as the flowers themselves can be used for different Types of application for tea herbs, drops and tinctures as well as for use in homeopathy further processing.

ingredients

In addition to essential oils and saponins, the ingredients include other valuable components such as B. Flavonoids, bitter substances, tannic acid, quercetin, rutoside, phenol glycosides, chlorogenic acid, diterpenes and polysaccharides.

Allergy trigger

Not toxic, but a potential allergy trigger

Goldenrod plants are neither poisonous for adults, nor for children, toddlers and babies, nor for pets such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds or other small animals. Cattle and horses are an exception and should be kept as far away from the crop as possible in the pasture. However, caution should be exercised if you are prone to allergies. Contact with the plant - through sap, pollen or consumption - can occasionally cause the following symptoms.

• Contact dermatitis (contact eczema)
• hay fever
• Various allergic reactions in the case of an allergy to composites

Note: Goldenrods (especially the parts close to the flower) are among the edible wild herbs. However, anyone who suffers from an allergy to sunflower or from restricted heart or kidney activity should rather forego the consumption of the plant.

Likelihood of confusion

Caution - risk of confusion with poisonous doppelgangers!

Most plant species have so-called doppelgangers, i.e. other varieties that look similar, but which can be poisonous compared to the plant in question. It can easily be mixed up with children and non-experts, which unfortunately leads to poisoning, which can sometimes be fatal. The following are some of the most famous possible doppelgangers of the Solidago, which are similar in appearance but highly toxic.

• Laburnum
• Fox Ragwort
• Jacob's ragwort

Tip: The information center against poisoning in Bonn (under http://www.gizbonn.de) provides information about all kinds of poisonous plants.

Note: If you are unsure whether it is really a goldenrod variety, ask someone who knows herbal or move Consult a plant identification book (although even inexperienced plants cannot always be identified with absolute certainty can).

Tip: Never leave children and pets unattended near dubious plants!

measures

What to do if you have an allergic reaction?

Since goldenrod plants are not poisonous, no symptoms of poisoning or other consequential damage are to be expected from a single consumption of parts of the plant. Should symptoms nevertheless occur, a doctor should of course be consulted immediately!

skin rash

If an allergic skin reaction occurs after contact with goldenrod plants, a visit to the dermatologist may be necessary, depending on the severity. If you react to the pollen, you have no choice but to avoid the goldenrod family as much as possible.

Planting

You should keep this in mind when planting, caring for and collecting.

The Solidago blooms from May to October, and its flowers are extremely popular with bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other insects. You should therefore not necessarily plant them in places where people are often to avoid possible insect bites and corresponding allergic reactions.

Tip: Wear gardening gloves when caring for and cutting the plant to avoid a potential allergic skin reaction from the sap.

Sensitivity to frost

Because of their sensitivity to frost, you should not plant goldenrod plants too early in the field in spring, but only when there is no longer any night frost, i.e. from mid to late May. The plants love warm, sunny, large-scale locations and are therefore often found near forests, on dry meadows and on slopes and embankments.

Tip: As plant neighbors, summer flowering asters, sun bride (helenium), Scabiosis (Scabiosa), fine jet (Erigeron), Montbretia (Crocosmia), feather grass (Stipa) and other grasses. Species that grow tall in particular should be supported, otherwise they can break off easily, and the plants multiply very strongly.

harvest

Goldenrod plants are best harvested in midsummer, i.e. in July and August, when the plants are in full bloom. The collected flowers and parts close to the flower should then be hung up in a warm, dark and well-ventilated place and dried. In addition to their use as medicinal herbs, goldenrod plants are also suitable as long-lasting flowers for the vase.

Sources:

http://www.hortipendium.de/Goldruten

http://blogs.badische-zeitung.de/achtungpflanze/2009/08/die-goldrute-lasst-den-harn-fliesen/

http://heimat-pfalz.de/botanik/915-greiskraut-die-gelbe-gefahr.html

https://www.kraeuter-verzeichnis.de/kraeuter/goldrute.html