Solidago virgaurea

	Goldenrod is used to help treat urinary and kidney infections and stones, and catarrh. It helps ease backache caused by renal conditions becuase of its cleansing, eliminative action (which means it is basically a laxative). Goldenrod is also used to treat arthritis. A cold compress of goldenrod is helpful on fresh wounds due to the anit-inflammatory properties it possesses. Sweet goldenrod is used as an astringent and as a calmative.
A tea can be made from the dried leaves and flowers that is aromatic and can be used to improve the taste of other medicinal preparations. Native Americans apllied goldenrod flower lotions to bee stings(also due to the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb).
I chose goldenrod to include as one of my medicinal herbs because most people believe it is just an annoying weed growing along their roads and driveways. I have always found it interesting that plants we call "weeds" can be used in our kitchens and/or to treat some of our everyday ailments.