CANADIAN GOLDENROD Solidago canadensis, L.( Weeds, Canadian Agricultural Department, Ottawa, 1967)
Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the leaves to 1 cupful of boiling water. Externally: The Indians used the solution from boiled leaves as an external lotion for wounds and ulcers, sprinkling the affected parts with the powdered leaves as a protective dressing. The same was used for saddle sores on horses. The Spanish Americans used the fresh plant mixed with soap for a plaster to bind on sore throats. Missouri golden rod( S. missouriensis), recognized by its unusually long stemmed and fluted leaves, was eaten as salad greens. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of flowers, infusion of dry leaves and flowers— Albuminuria, Calculus, Croup, Deafness, Dysuria, Eruptions, Gout, Leucorrhoea, Ophthalmia( scrofulous), Phosphaturia, Prostate( enlarged), Rheumatism, Sciatica, Scrofula, Urine( scanty, suppressed). Russian Experience: Only in one book can information on Solidago be found, which in Russia is Zolotarnik obiknovenny( from Zoloto— Goldsmith vulgaris). Uses: The flowers and leaves have long been used in Bello-Russia as a tea for diarrhoea, inflammation of the bladder and amenorrhoea( Federowske, 1897). Externally: Powdered flowers have a reputation for treating unhealed wounds of long standing( Uladzimirau, 1927). Floral powder is mixed with fresh cream for skin sickness, especially TB of the skin( Nikolaiva, 1964)( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, 1966).
GOLDEN SEAL Hydrastis canadensis, L.( N. O.: Ranunculaceae)
Common Names: Yellow Puccoon, Ground Raspberry, Tumeric Root, Yellow Root, Orange Root. Features: A perennial herb native to the moist woods and damp meadows of eastern North America.
The rough, wrinkled yellow root contains several alkaloids; odour is distinct, with a bitter taste. When fresh it is juicy and is used by the Indians to colour their clothing, etc. The plant sends up a simple hairy stem 8 – 20 in. tall with three to five lobed, dark green leaves that in the summer may become 4 – 10 in. broad. The May and June flower is a solitary one, small, white or rose coloured, appearing in early spring proceeded by a crimson head or small berries resembling raspberry, and consists of many two-seeded drupes. The wild plant is scarce today and is cultivated for medicinal purposes. Medicinal Part: The root. Solvent: Alcohol, diluted alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Tonic, Alterative, Laxative. Uses: The Cherokee Indians introduced Golden seal as an agent for treating ulcers and arrow wounds. Since then it has gained a title of being one of the most powerful agents in the entire herb kingdom.
Its recognition for usefulness is in congested conditions, sustaining the circulation of blood in the veins, and this attribute is valuable in heart affections where the extremities are usually cold and lips bluish. To strengthen the weakened condition, it is best to combine 1 part each Capsicum, Skull cap to 4 parts Golden seal.
For debilitated conditions of mucous membrane of the stomach( the harbour of much injustice, usually self-administered), Golden seal pulls rank. Can be used in a wide range of illnesses ranging from the common cold to complicated advancements, La grippe, ulcerated stomach, dyspepsia, enlarged tonsils, diphtheria, chronic catarrh of the intestines, skin eruptions, scarlet fever and smallpox.