The healing properties of certain essential oils have slowly made these products a common item stored in the medicine cabinet today. When used appropriately, essential oils such as Goldenrod oil can help you treat painful symptoms of arthritis and help reduce inflammation to give you relief.
What Is Goldenrod Oil?
The Goldenrod plant belongs to Asteraceae family and is native to the U.S., Mexico and Canada. In ancient times, goldenrod was mainly used to treat bacterial infections and as a tonic for the kidneys.
The essential oil obtained from the plant has various medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits. Goldenrod essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant through the process of steam distillation.
Uses of Goldenrod Oil
Goldenrod oil blends well with other oils such as lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, bergamot, lemon, orange and clary sage.
Goldenrod oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- In air fresheners
- In mouthwash and toothpaste
- In vapor rubs and pain balms
- In antiseptic creams
Benefits of Goldenrod Oil
The health benefits of goldenrod oil can be attributed to its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, carminative and expectorant properties.
The significant health benefits include:
1. Treats urinary tract infections
Due to the antiseptic and astringent properties, goldenrod oil cleanses the urinary tract and cures painful urinary tract infections. It stimulates the production of urine and increases both the frequency and output.
By doing so, goldenrod oil helps eliminate uric acid, salts, excess sodium, excess water, fats and other toxins from the body.
2. Reduces symptoms of arthritis and gout
If you are suffering from painful inflammatory joint disorders like gout and arthritis, you can massage goldenrod oil on the affected areas. Goldenrod oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation and help ease aching muscles.
3. Maintains oral health
The leaves of the goldenrod plant were commonly chewed by Americans as a way to maintain oral hygiene in the ancient times.
Goldenrod oil helps ease tooth pain and reduces infections in the gums. It can also be used as an effective mouthwash to keep the oral cavity clean.
4. Treats fungal infections
Goldenrod oil possesses antifungal properties and treats yeast infections like toenail fungus, jock itch, athlete’s foot and candidiasis. Regular use of this essential oil keeps fungal infections at bay.
5. Reduces stress and anxiety
If you want to unwind from a stressful day, goldenrod oil has a wonderful aroma that uplifts your mood and calms your nerves. It removes bad odor at home and at the workplace while relieving the tension and stress that accumulates in the day.
6. Treats respiratory infections
Goldenrod oil contains decongestant and expectorant properties that help cure respiratory tract infections. It loosens the phlegm and mucus deposits in the respiratory tracts and expels them out from the body.
7. Promotes wound healing
Goldenrod oil has antiseptic properties that can be used to treat wounds. The antibacterial properties of this essential oil prevent the wounds from getting septic and infected with bacteria. It prevents secondary infections of the wound and promotes its quick healing.
8. Maintains skin health
Goldenrod oil is an excellent tonic for the skin. It has astringent properties that tone and tighten the skin to fight signs of aging and make the skin look young and glowing. It is also used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.
Side Effects of Goldenrod Oil
While using goldenrod oil, one must be aware of the side effects.
- Can cause allergic reactions in those people who are sensitive to plants belonging to the Asteraceae family.
- Can cause adverse reactions in those suffering from edema and kidney disorders.
- Can make the body accumulate more sodium and cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. Hence, those suffering from high blood pressure must be careful while using goldenrod oil.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also advised not to use goldenrod oil. A patch test is recommended for those having sensitive skin.
