The Canadian Goldenrod is a fairly common plant. It has a number of useful properties that few people know about. Many gardeners perceive it as a weed, since it spreads quite quickly, capturing large areas. However, the plant itself has been used in medicine for several centuries. Despite this, some consider it poisonous. But is this really so, and whether he is a dangerous person – you will learn from the article.
Description
Canadian goldenrod is a perennial herb. It belongs to the family of Asteraceae or Compositae. Goldenrod is widespread. Grows mainly in North America. It also became natural in Russia. In natural conditions, it grows along the roads. Today, many gardeners grow goldenrod on their property. This is due to its medicinal properties and beautiful appearance, which can advantageously transform landscape design.
However, it should be borne in mind that goldenrod is able to displace other types of plants. In China, there have been cases when it displaced dozens of native plant species, which caused serious problems. Despite the fact that the herb has medicinal properties, you should be extremely careful with it.
Also goldenrod is considered a good honey plant. Bees love him very much. It is often used as a coloring and tanning agent.
The plant itself is unpretentious. It firmly endures the lack of the sun, however, under its rays it develops much faster. It takes root in various types of soil.
Poisonous or not?
Many botanists consider goldenrod to be more dangerous than hogweed. However, this can only be explained by the fact that its reproduction threatens with the extinction of other plant species, including sown ones. This phenomenon occurs due to the release of poison into the soil by the root system. This substance is capable of destroying everything: from bacteria and fungi to other flora.
The plant itself is not considered dangerous to humans. However, it can still cause harm to the body. This can happen due to misuse of goldenrod in traditional medicine, or due to the presence of an allergy to it.
Appearance
The Canadian goldenrod grows rather quickly. In height, it grows up to 2 meters. It has straight and erect stems that do not branch. On the shoots are narrow lanceolate leaves with jagged edges. Each of them has 3 veins. Below the leaves are pubescent, and on the upper side “naked”.
The plant has a horizontal root system. During the flowering period, pyramidal inflorescences are formed at the top of the stem. They are bright yellow in color. Ligules of pistillate flowers are 1-2 mm long, protruding from the cupped envelopes. The flower has 5 stamens attached to the corolla tube. The anthers are interconnected. Several inflorescences appear on one stem at once, which form spreading panicles. The diameter of the flower heads does not exceed 5 mm.
The fruits of the plant are cylindrical in shape. They have small bristles, thanks to which the wind picks up the seeds and carries them a long distance.
Where grows
The homeland of the Canadian Goldenrod is considered to be the eastern part of North America. Many botanists believe that it originated in southern Canada, which explains the name of this species.
It is interesting to note that in Europe the plant began to be used for decorative purposes as early as 1645, and in China since 1930. Now the Canadian Goldenrod is widespread in many countries. You can even meet him in Asia, New Zealand and Australia.
It grows mainly along the roads. However, since the wind carries seeds over long distances, and the plant itself takes root and multiplies quickly, it can be found in the wasteland, meadow, railway embankment, landfill, coastal place along drainage ditches, as well as in the garden area. It is worth noting that not all gardeners plant goldenrod. It often appears in the garden as a weed.
Medicinal properties
In folk medicine, the Canadian Goldenrod has been used for over 300 years. In addition, today the extract of this plant is added to many pharmaceutical preparations. This is due to its medicinal properties, which are manifested in the form of:
- diuretic action;
- cleansing the body;
- anti-inflammatory action;
- strengthening the immune system;
- antibacterial and antiseptic effect;
- antiviral action;
- astringent effect;
- wound healing action.
The benefits of using the Canadian Goldenrod can only be obtained when used correctly. Too frequent intake of a decoction or tincture from this plant can adversely affect health.
It should also be borne in mind that goldenrod has different effects on the male and female body. The benefits and effectiveness are slightly different. For a woman’s body, it is considered especially valuable, since it has the ability to restore the reproductive system, and also has a positive effect on hormonal levels. However, goldenrod inhibits the production of the male hormone, so the stronger sex should not abuse this plant.
Contraindications
Any medicinal plant has contraindications. The Canadian Goldenrod is no exception. It should not be taken if:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- the presence of an allergy to ragweed or with an individual intolerance to this plant;
- exacerbation of renal disease;
- high blood pressure;
- exacerbation of glomerulonephritis;
- the presence of phosphate stones.
Also, you should not use Canadian Goldenrod for children under 14 years of age. The plant has a positive effect on the functioning of the most important systems in the human body. However, contraindications should not be neglected. If you have one of the above items, you should refuse to take Goldenrod.
