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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Goldenrod

A European herb used to flush the urinary tract, approved for that traditional use by German regulators. The supporting data are pharmacological and in vitro; controlled trials of goldenrod alone are lacking.

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What the science says

  • Urinary flushing Limited evidence

    A review of Solidago virgaurea's ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology documents diuretic, anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activity in animal and laboratory models, which underpins its traditional monograph status for irrigation therapy. The clinical trials that exist test multi-herb products, not goldenrod on its own.

  • Activity against urinary bacteria in vitro Limited evidence

    Laboratory work shows that goldenrod extract contributes antibacterial and anti-adhesive activity against uropathogenic E. coli within a combination formulation. This is cell-culture evidence and does not establish that it prevents or treats urinary tract infections in people.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional use is 6–12 g/day of dried herb as an infusion, or the equivalent extract, taken with a high fluid intake. Commercial capsules usually supply 300–500 mg one to three times daily.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated. As an Asteraceae plant it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemum or daisies. Irrigation therapy is contraindicated if you have oedema from heart or kidney failure, or impaired kidney function. A urinary tract infection with fever, flank pain or blood needs antibiotics, not a flushing herb.

How to take it

TimingSplit across the day and avoid the last dose close to bedtime, or you will be up at night.
With food?Either way, but drink at least two litres of fluid across the day, since irrigation therapy only works with the fluid.
Worth knowingDo not use flushing therapy at all if you have swelling from heart or kidney failure, and see a doctor rather than a herb if you have fever, flank pain or blood in the urine.

Interactions

With medications

  • diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)

    Additive fluid and electrolyte loss. do not combine without medical supervision

  • lithium

    Increased urine output can reduce lithium clearance and raise blood levels into the toxic range. do not combine without lithium level monitoring

With other supplements

  • other diuretic herbs (juniper, parsley, corn silk, cleavers)

    Additive fluid loss with no added effect. use one at a time

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does goldenrod work for urinary tract infections?

Goldenrod's evidence is limited: its antibacterial activity against E. coli was shown only in cell culture within a combination formula, which does not establish that it prevents or treats urinary tract infections. A UTI with fever, flank pain or blood needs antibiotics.

What is goldenrod used for?

Goldenrod is a European herb used to flush the urinary tract, approved for that traditional use by German regulators on the basis of animal and laboratory pharmacology. Controlled trials of goldenrod alone are lacking.

How do you take goldenrod for urinary flushing?

Traditional use is 6–12 g/day of dried goldenrod as an infusion, split across the day, with at least two litres of fluid, since irrigation therapy only works with the fluid. Avoid the last dose near bedtime.

Who should not take goldenrod?

Do not use goldenrod if you have swelling from heart or kidney failure or impaired kidney function, and be careful if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum or daisies. Do not combine it with lithium without level monitoring.

Scientific references

Related in General health

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)