| Herbs & Supplements:

Goldenrod

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:
  • Brazilian arnica; Solidago

 

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Introduction

Goldenrod is a plant with bright yellow flowers. It has been used to ease pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. It can be used as a gel or cream. It can also be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be made into a tea.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for goldenrod.

 

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What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

• Low back pain^{A1, A2} 
• Tendonitis^C1 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

 

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Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use goldenrod on the skin. It may also be safe to take orally for a short time. Goldenrod may cause allergic reactions in some people. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.^{B1, B2} 

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

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References [ + ]

A. Low Back Pain

A1. Gagnier JJ, Oltean H, et al. Herbal Medicine for Low Back Pain: A Cochrane Review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2016 Jan;41(2):116-133.

A2. Oltean H, Robbins C, et al. Herbal medicine for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(12):CD004504.

B. Safety

B1. Schloemer JA, Zirwas MJ, et al. Airborne contact dermatitis: common causes in the USA. Int J Dermatol. 2015 Mar;54(3):271-274.

B2. Minciullo PL, Calapai G, et al. Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 4: Solidago virgaurea-Vitis vinifera. Contact Dermatitis. 2017 Aug;77(2):67-87.

C. Tendonitis

C1. da Silva AG, Machado ER, et al RM. A Clinical Trial with Brazilian Arnica (Solidago chilensis Meyen) Glycolic Extract in the Treatment of Tendonitis of Flexor and Extensor Tendons of Wrist and Hand. Phytother Res. 2015 Jun;29(6):864-869.

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Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/27/2020

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