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It is an abundant species in Europe, Asia and North America. Its popular name is “Goldenrod”.
Even if it was already known in the 13th century, it was not used in phythotherapy until the 19th century.
It grows in the undergrowth, slopes and rocks, from the plains to the mountains.
It is an herbaceous perennial plant, with a ramified and erect stem, and it grows about 50 cm.
The stem often adapts a violet color on its lower part. It is glabrous or pubescent, and simple until the inflorescence.
Leaves are lanceolate, petiolate and toothed, and they are placed in alternate position. The nerves are lateral and divergent.
Flowers are yellow and odorous, and they meet in some numerous heads, which are erect and small.
Heads are placed in a panicle inflorescence, with ascending ramifications.
The involucre is green and roughly cylindrical, with bracts in many rows.
It has between 10 and 30 tubular flowers, and 6 to 12 ligules. They are hermaphrodite.
Its fruit is a pubescent achene with pappus.
As a drug, it is used the plant without the roots (virgaureae herb). It is collected in full bloom.
The drug is kept protected from light and moisture, in containers other than plastic.
As active substances, it contains tannins, sour juices, flavonoids, saponins and essential oils, among others.
It is a diuretic plant. It is a great source of tanins, so it has some important astringent properties.
It is a protector of capillars, and it has tonificant properties on the venous system, due to its flavonoids.
Saponins also provide some diuretic effect, acting against nephritis, cystitis, edema and even obesity.
It is used as an antiinflamatory of urinary system, and also for calming spasmodic pain.
It is used against urinary diseases, and also to improve renal functioning and prostate.
It is effective against chronic bronchitis, coughing and asthma attacks.
It also contains phenolic acids such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, which provide it with some antiseptic activity.
In external use, some infusions are made to treat ulcers, festering sores and wounds.
It is often confused with Solidago canadensis, which is also medicinal but it is not collected.