Goldenrod’s Secret: The Misjudged Wildflower with Powerful Skin & Wellness Benefits

Many people mistakenly blame goldenrod (Solidago spp.) for seasonal allergy symptoms, when in fact ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) is typically the real culprit. Courtesy of its showy yellow blooms, goldenrod draws attention but its pollen is actually heavy, sticky, and designed for insect pollination, meaning it rarely becomes airborne and is unlikely to trigger hay fever. On the other hand, ragweed produces fine, wind-dispersed pollen in massive quantities, sometimes up to a billion grains per plant, which easily travels through the air and irritates sensitive individuals.

Beyond clearing its reputation, goldenrod offers genuinely helpful qualities. It’s rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and saponins, which is known traditionally to provide gentle relief for respiratory and urinary discomforts and help to support skin health. In some herbal traditions, goldenrod is even used to ease mild allergy symptoms, due to its ability to soothe irritation and support fluid movement.

Interestingly, Goldenrod was one of the very first herbs I ever harvested and actually made something with. Back in 2021, when I was in my very early stages of exploring the world of little known plant benefits and herbal therapeutics, the very first extract I created was a Goldenrod tincture - an alcohol based herbal extract - to add to my little cabinet of plant powered remedies. 

When it came to harvesting, I quickly got to know this herb well because it was easy to identify and grew in large, vibrant patches, with its bright yellow flowers standing out like tiny beacons from a distance. At the time, I didn’t realize Goldenrod’s benefits went far beyond supporting urinary health. As I continued to study this amazing herb, I gathered a more complete picture of its many uses and health-benefitting properties, which I’m excited to share with you below:

Getting To Know Goldenrod in the Field 

When it comes to identifying Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), its late-summer golden plumes are typically the first giveaway - look for tall, upright stems topped with dense clusters of tiny bright-yellow flowers that form pyramids or plume-shaped structures. The leaves alternate along the stem, often lance-shaped and serrated. It is always best to know exactly what you are harvesting and using. Take your time observing leaf shape, flower arrangement, and habitat. If in doubt, consult with trusted herbal guides and identification books. 

Benefits of Adding Goldenrod to Your Skincare Routine:

1. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Support

Goldenrod is rich in flavonoids like rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol, along with phenolic acids such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid. These constituents provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action helping to calm redness, soothe irritation, and protect against environmental oxidative stress.

2. Astringent & Toning Effect

Compounds such as tannins and saponins lend goldenrod its astringent properties. Tannins and saponins are known to help tighten and firm the skin, reduce puffiness, and can minimize

pores helping to create a smoother appearance.

3. Antimicrobial & Antiseptic Properties 

Goldenrod’s volatile oils and saponins exhibit mild antimicrobial activity, making it a beneficial ally for some acne-prone or irritated skin types.

4. Traditional Use for Healing & Skin Repair

Traditionally used for wound treatment and to support skin regeneration, Goldenrod’s traditional use is to help soothe minor cuts, burns, and abrasions when applied topically (e.g., in an infused oil or balm).

5. Bright & Even Skin Tone

Thanks to its flavonoids and phenolic acids, goldenrod supports brightening and skin tone balance, adding a gentle glow while improving texture over time.

Reference Table - Some of Goldenrod’s Chemical Constituents Behind its Skin Benefits

Constituent Type	Key Examples	Function in Skincare
Flavonoids	Rutin, quercetin, kaempferol	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening
Phenolic acids	Caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic acids	Antioxidant, supports collagen, soothes skin inflammation
Tannins & saponins	Tannin & Saponin constituent properties	Astringent, cleansing, toning
Volatile oils	α-pinene, limonene, germacrene D	Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, skin-revitalizing

Skin-Loving Uses & Application Tips

• Infused into oil, goldenrod becomes a gentle, effective botanical component for facial or body serums, salves, and bar soaps.

  
  

• Works especially well for calming inflammation, managing oiliness, or promoting skin balance in mature, dry, or sensitive skin. Traditional application includes its ability to  treat wounds.

  
  

• Ideal for blending with other plant oils like jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, meadowfoam etc. which help stabilize the formulation and enhance skin barrier support

This is why I included Goldenrod as a key ingredient in the Wild Nectar Facial Serum, dual extracted for best quality and combined with other botanical actives like carrot root oil, yarrow infused oil, and frankincense infused oil.

This formula is designed to support normal-dry and mature skin by helping to improve skin texture over time while promoting a smooth, more radiant appearance. Goldenrod contributes natural soothing, antioxidant, and astringent properties that help maintain healthy-looking skin and refine its overall texture. These plant-based oils work together in the formula to deeply nourish the skin and enhance its natural glow.

Want to Make Your Own Goldenrod Infused Oil to Add to Your Skincare Routine?

If you’re feeling inspired to try Goldenrod and its many skincare benefits for yourself, why not start by making your own goldenrod-infused oil?

I’ve put together a free, beautifully designed Herbal Oil Guide that walks you through the main harvesting tips, safety considerations, and step-by-step instructions for both the simple traditional infusion method and the precise measurement-based method, so you can make your very first herb infused oil.

This guide will help you create a high-quality oil you can use in your skincare routine. Download it here and start crafting your own plant-based skincare right at home!

Going Beyond The Skin: Traditional & Research Based Uses of Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod isn’t just a visual beauty in the field - it’s a powerful ally across many traditional medicines and even holds modern scientific promise. Let’s take a look through some of its traditional uses, some of which are explored by science.

Traditional Uses

European Folk Medicine

Goldenrod was nicknamed Wunderkraut ("miracle herb") and Wundkraut (“wound herb”) in medieval Germany because of its traditional application in treating wounds, inflammation, and kidney or urinary issues. Its longstanding use for urinary support is acknowledged in modern herbal monographs.

North American Indigenous Applications

Native American communities used various goldenrod species to address urinary tract infections, digestive concerns, infant colic, and skin wounds or ulcers - highlighting its diverse therapeutic applications across tribes.

The German Commission E

The German Commission E, is a respected scientific advisory board, formed in 1978 under Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Device. Its main mission is to rigorously evaluate and validate the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines. Here’s an overview on their take on Goldenrod: 

Goldenrod is officially approved for use as a diuretic, particularly helpful in minor urinary tract complaints, such as:

• Bladder inflammation

• Kidney irritation

• Mild urinary retention

  
  

Traditional dosage recommendations include:

• Infusion (tea): 3–4 g dried herb, 2–4 times daily

• Liquid extract: 0.5–2 ml, up to 3 times daily

• Dry extract (capsules): 350–450 mg, up to 3 times daily

It is considered a traditional herbal medicinal product, relying on long-standing traditional use as opposed to modern randomized trials.

Safety notes include:

• Not recommended for children under 12.

• Avoid in severe renal or heart disease due to its diuretic effect.

• Discontinue use and consult a professional if symptoms like fever or painful urination occur.

Safety Precautions

While Goldenrod is generally considered safe for topical use and offers many benefits, it’s important to keep a few precautions in mind. People who have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family may want to avoid using Goldenrod to prevent possible skin sensitivity or irritation. For those considering internal use such as; teas, tinctures, or capsules, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional or doctor before taking Goldenrod internally, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any existing medical conditions. It’s also advisable to start with a small amount and monitor for any reactions.

These simple precautions help ensure that you can enjoy Goldenrod’s benefits safely and comfortably, whether applied topically or taken internally.

Want your FREE GUIDE for making your own herbal skincare oil at home?

Grab it here:

Download The Free Herbal Oils Guide

Goldenrod is easily one of my favourite herbs to harvest!

Taking a closer look at this amazing plant

References

Christopher Hobbs. (n.d.). Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). Herbal Therapeutics Database. https://christopherhobbs.com/herbal-therapeutics-database/herb/goldenrod/

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. (n.d.). Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Goldenrod. https://chestnutherbs.com/medicinal-uses-and-benefits-of-goldenrod/

European Medicines Agency. (2007). Draft Community Herbal Monograph on Solidago virgaurea L., herba. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/draft-community-herbal-monograph-solidago-virgaurea-l-herba_en.pdf

European Medicines Agency. (2008). Assessment Report on Solidago virgaurea L., herba. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, BfArM, Germany. 

Friends of the Mississippi River. (n.d.). Goldenrod or ragweed: Which causes allergies and which benefits pollinators? Friends of the Mississippi River. https://fmr.org/news/2021/09/21/goldenrod-or-ragweed-which-causes-allergies-and-which-benefits-pollinators

Hamilton College Research. (n.d.). Goldenrod: Ethnomedicinal Uses. https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/goldenrod.pdf

HerbCraft. (n.d.). Goldenrod: Benefits, Dosage, and Precautions.

Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/goldenrod

LearningHerbs. (n.d.). Goldenrod Uses and Plant Profile. https://www.learningherbs.com/blog/goldenrod-uses

Marzec, M., Kaszczyk, G., Sujka, W., & Nowak, I. (2024). A study of the potential of Solidago virgaurea extract as a raw material for cosmetic macroemulsions. Applied Sciences, 14(22), 10107. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210107

Penn State Extension. (2023, August 18). Goldenrod: Not just another pretty face. https://extension.psu.edu/goldenrod-not-just-another-pretty-face

PMC. (2018). Blocking negative effects of senescence in human skin fibroblasts. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895844/

PMC. (2020). Solidago virgaurea L.: A review of its ethnomedicinal uses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7761148/

The Nature of Home. (n.d.). Goldenrod: The wild native medicine in your backyard. https://thenatureofhome.com/goldenrod-native-plant/