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We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

  • Herb overview

    Safety

    Possible cross-reactivity with latex allergy
    Caution in known Asteraceae allergy (1,2)

    Sustainability

    Status: Low risk

    Key constituents

    Saponins
    Tannins
    Flavonoids
    Volatile oils

    Quality

    Native to Europe, NW Asia, N/Central/S. America
    Cultivated
    Adulteration with other Solidago species possible

    Key actions

    Diuretic
    Anti-inflammatory
    Anticatarrhal
    Antifungal

    Key indications

    Cystitis
    Sinusitis
    Hay fever
    Thrush

    Key energetics

    Astringent
    Bitter
    Pungent
    Aromatic

    Preperation and dosage

    Plant part – aerial parts
    6-12 g/per day
    Tincture (1:2, 3-6ml up to three times daily)

  • How does it feel?

    The tea has a soft, rounded, comforting slightly cooling feeling with an antiseptic taste. The diuretic effect is felt soon after drinking a cup of the tea, so avoid drinking too close to bedtime.

    Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
    Goldenrod seeds (Solidago virgaurea)
    Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

  • Into the heart of goldenrod

    Goldenrod seeds (Solidago virgaurea)
    Goldenrod seeds (Solidago virgaurea)

    The genus name Solidago derives from the Latin solida meaning “whole” and ago “to make”, suggesting the herb helps restore wholeness, sealing the lips of a wound, its historical use as a wound herb. Virga means “rod” and aurea means “golden” describing its tall rods of golden plumage. 

    “If a fountain could jet bouquets of chrome yellow in dazzling arches of chrysanthemum fireworks, that would be Canada Goldenrod. Each three-foot stem is a geyser of tiny gold daisies, ladylike in miniature, exuberant en masse”(7).

    In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer seeks to reconcile Western botanical science with her lived experience, exploring why goldenrod and asters are so strikingly beautiful together.

    Goldenrod blooms late in summer, thriving on dry, infertile ground, so symbolises endurance and resilience. Its golden hue has been woven into folklore as a sign of abundance, prosperity and love. From medieval times goldenrod stalks were worn as a charm to attract one’s true love, while the sudden appearance of goldenrod at a doorstep was a sign good fortune was imminent.

    The sturdy stems also served as dowsing rods, the flower “nodding” toward hidden water, buried treasures or whatever was sought (8). In Victorian floriography (the language and symbolism of flowers) a sprig of golden rod was an expression of encouragement and the promise of good news (9).

  • What practitioners say

    Urinary systemUrinary system

    Goldenrod is primarily valued for its actions on the urinary system. Its astringent, diuretic and antiseptic properties make it useful for both acute and chronic urinary tract infections from nephritis in the kidneys, urethritis of the ureters to the more common cystitis in the bladder (6). The astringent action tightens and tones the mucosal lining and smooth muscle, reducing irritation.

    In addition, goldenrod acts as a kidney trophorestorative, helping to restore and support renal tissue while its diuretic effect stimulates kidney activity, increasing urine output, helping to flush out bladder and kidney stones and clear metabolic waste products (4). Flavonoid constituent rutin tightens capillary walls supporting micro circulation in the kidneys (13). 

    To encourage drinking more liquids for urological conditions, a tea with goldenrod is preferred often in combination with antiseptic, antimicrobial and urinary demulcent herbs such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cornsilk (Zea mays), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and couchgrass (Elymus repens).

    Respiratory system

    Goldenrod has an affinity to the upper respiratory tract, aiding complaints such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and nasal catarrh. By drying up excess secretions it helps restore tone to mucosal tissue, which is especially useful when dealing with thin, watery mucus and itchy, watering eyes triggered by hay fever, cat dander or other airborne allergens (4). This may in part be due to the flavonoid quercetin which is anti-allergic, inhibiting mast cell degranulation, especially in allergic rhinitis (14).

    Goldenrod can ease postnasal drip, where the mucus runs down the back of the throat. In these cases goldenrod can be seen as similar to and work well in combination with plantain (Plantago spp.) and elderflower (Sambucas nigra). Demulcent herbs such as marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) pair especially well with goldenrod. This combination supports the mucociliary escalator while the addition of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is particularly helpful as an expectorant for stubborn phlegm.

    Skin health

    By promoting diuresis, goldenrod aids the elimination of metabolic waste, which can improve skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, herpes, and acne (4). This encouraging movement of fluids, reduces oedema, relieving swollen ankles and puffiness around the eyes (4). Applied topically as a wash, goldenrod can assist in drying out purulent wounds, ulcers, and when used as a mouthwash, it can soothe gum abscesses (15).

    Musculoskeletal system

    Many herbalists have found topical application of the infused oil of goldenrod flowers can relieve muscle aches and pains (16). The same diuretic actions listed above can help move wastes from joints and improve arthritis symptoms (8).

  • Goldenrod research

    Goldenrod oil (Solidago virgaurea)
    Goldenrod oil (Solidago virgaurea)

    Studies have been conducted worldwide on diverse goldenrod species, which demonstrate overlap in properties, confirming the interchangeable use of species by herbalists. Further research on individual species reveal differences or potential beyond the traditional known uses of European goldenrod. 

    The use of extracts of goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) for the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract (3)

    This review evaluates the pharmacological and clinical evidence for treating urinary tract disorders. S. virgaurea is found to be diuretic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antispasmodic and analgesic.

    Open non-randomised studies indicate that goldenrod can effectively treat infectious cystitis and functional urinary tract conditions, such as overactive bladder syndrome within 2–4 weeks. Adverse events were uncommon and mild, limited to mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. Accordingly, goldenrod extract could be safely incorporated into treatment plans for urinary tract disorders, improving recovery and lowering recurrence rates (3). 

    A clinical trial with Brazilian arnica (Solidago chilensis Meyen) glycolic extract in the treatment of tendonitis of flexor and extensor tendons of wrist and hand (17)

    Solidago chilensis is a goldenrod found in South America and known as Brazilian arnica as it shares many properties of Arnica spp.

    Eight volunteers participated in a small double blind placebo controlled trial on S. chilensis resulting in significant pain reduction in tendonitis of the wrists when applied topically in a gel cream with a 5% glycolic plant extract.

    Solidago virgaurea L. plant extract targeted against Candida albicans to reduce oral microbial biomass: A double blind randomized trial on healthy adults (18)

    S. virgaurea had been seen to prevent the attachment and hyphen growth of Candida albicans in vitro, reducing biomass of biofilms while preserving the oral microbiome. This study was to assess the effectiveness of a saponin rich extract of S. virgaurea in a fluorinated toothpaste to reduce candida biofilms. 66 adults took part in this double blind randomised controlled trial, brushing their teeth twice a day for four weeks. The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in C. albicans and S. mutans. This was a small sample and larger and longer studies could confirm longer term efficacy.

    Immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effect of Solidago virgaurea extract against experimental doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity (19)

    Recent 2025 research indicates that S. virgaurea given together with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) protects against DOX‑induced kidney injury through anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‑apoptotic effects. Although this is an early animal study, oral S. virgaurea extract shows promise as an adjunct therapy alongside chemotherapy.

  • Historical use of Goldenrod

    Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
    Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

    In Gerard’s Herball (1597) it’s documented that the herb was once highly prized when it was thought to be an exotic import, falling out of favour when discovered growing commonplace locally, a recurrent pattern throughout history:

    “Goldenrod has in times past been had in greater estimation and regard than in these days: … But since it was found in Hampstead Wood…no man will give half a crown for a hundredweight of it: which plainly setteth forth our inconstancy and sudden mutability, esteeming no longer of any thing (how precious soever it may be) than when it is strange and rare”(10). 

    Culpeper describes goldenrod as “a sovereign wound herb, inferior to none”, recommending it for both internal and external treatment of wounds and ulcers, although he does not specify the preparation method (11). He adds that “the decoction also helps to fasten the teeth that are loose in the gums”, due to goldenrod’s astringent action of toning gum tissue, along with anti-inflammatory properties.

    Culpeper also notes the diuretic and antilithic effect “whereby also the gravel and stone may be voided” and highlight its importance as a styptic “it stays bleeding in any part of the body…the bloody-flux and women’s courses” indicating use for dysentery and menorrhagia (11).

    Mrs Grieve, writing in The Modern Herbal (1931), agrees that goldenrod is helpful for painful and heavy periods. She goes on to say that a warm infusion is a good diaphoretic and “as a spray and given internally, it is of great value in diphtheria”(12).

  • Goldenrod’s herbal actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

  • Goldenrod’s energetic qualities

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What can I use goldenrod for?

    Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
    Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

    Goldenrod enjoys a long‑standing tradition of medicinal use. It is an excellent tonic for the mucus membranes of both the urinary and respiratory systems. It is diuretic astringent, anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal and antifungal.

    Goldenrod is a key herb for urinary tract disorders. These include infection and inflammation of the bladder, ureters and kidneys, as well as support for renal function and stone clearance (3,4). 

    In the respiratory tract goldenrod has a tradition of use for nasal catarrh, sinusitis and seasonal allergies. A hot infusion of goldenrod can be taken as a diaphoretic in flu, and also works well as an effective gargle for laryngitis and pharyngitis (5). The antifungal saponins in goldenrod can improve thrush, both oral and vaginal, when used as a mouthwash or douche (6).

    Traditionally used as a vulnerary herb topically, its drying action and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for healing wounds.

  • Did you know?

    Thomas Edison experimented with goldenrod as a possible alternative source of rubber for tyres in the late 1920s. He bred a 12ft species which yielded 12% latex, succeeding in vulcanising rubber. However, Edison died before further experiments were completed (20,21).

  • Botanical description

    European goldenrod is a hardy, rhizomatous perennial that thrives on poor dry soils and open sunny sites such as grasslands, rocky slopes and waste ground.

    The plant forms a compact, fibrous root system with creeping rhizomes allowing it to spread in dense clumps and readily self seed. The rodlike stems are unbranched with alternate lanceolate leaves. Lower leaves have short stalks while the upper leaves sit directly on the stem.

    In late summer (July–September) tall feather spikes of golden yellow panicles (cluster of tiny flowers or inflorescence) are produced. The spikes are 15 to 30 cm long densely packed flowers forming golden rods that attract pollinators, such as bees, flies and butterflies.

    Goldenrod is self-fertile and after flowering the seeds are carried by the wind and spread quickly (22).

  • Common names

    • Aaron’s rod
    • Goldenrod
    • Woundweed
    • Woundwort (23,24)

  • Habitat

    The Solidago genus consists of roughly 190 species found widely across the Northern Hemisphere, Eurasia, North West Africa, Central and southern South America.

    S. virgaurea is native across Western Europe to Central Siberia and Philippines (Luzon) (23).
    The species S. canadensis and S. gigantea grow abundantly and are native to North America. Several species, including S. canadensis and S. gigantea have been introduced across Europe and become invasive, able to out compete native S. virgaurea (24).

  • How to grow goldenrod

    S. virgaurea prefers poor, sub-fertile ground, dry, rocky soils, cliff edges, waste ground in full sun (24).

    Sow seeds in spring or plants can be propagated by division in spring or autumn. Goldenrod grows prolifically in clumps via rhizomes and self seeds easily. Harvest the tops in flower.

  • Herbal preparation of goldenrod

    • Tincture
    • Tea / dried herb
    • Infused oil
    • Honey
    • Ointments
    • Washes
    • Compresses
    • Infused oils

  • Plant parts used

    Flowering tops / Aerial parts

  • Dosage

    • Tincture (1:3 | 40 %): 2–4 ml (4)
    • Infusion: 2–3 tsp of dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep covered 10-15 minutes (5). 6–12g herb or equivalent (26)

  • Constituents

    • Terpenes: 
      • Diterpenes: Solidagolactones, elongatolides C and E
      • Antiseptic monoterpenes: Thymol, carvacrol
      • Volatile oils: Borneol oil, salicylic acid, thymol
      • Saponins: Solidagosaponins, virgaureasaponins
    • Phenolic compounds:
      • Phenolic glucosides
      • Flavonoids: Rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, hyperoside, astragalin. anthocyanidin
      • Tannins

    Polysaccharides: Fructan, inulin (1)

  • Goldenrod recipe

    Goldenrod syrup

    This is a wonderful recipe for a delicious, goldenrod syrup to add to pancakes, porridge, lemonade or sparkling water as a cordial. This is a folk recipe for making syrup, adapted from a recipe by Alleksandra (27)

    Ingredients

    • A handful of fresh goldenrod flowers (you can also add dried, but you would probably need to harvest your own).
    • 1l water 
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 500g sugar

    How to make goldenrod syrup

    • Add flowers to a saucepan.
    • Add water to cover (you may need more or less water.
    • Bring to the boil and remove from heat.
    • Leave to cool, covered overnight.
    • Strain through a muslin or jellybag.
    • Add lemon juice and sugar (adjust sugar accordingly to be 2:1 water volume:sugar weight).
    • Bring back to boil briefly.
    • Strain, bottle and store in the fridge.
Bitters: Why herbalists love them and how they help digestion

Bitters: Why herbalists love them and how they help digestion

  • Safety

    Avoid use with synthetic diuretics (2). Natural Medicines lists no specific safety data for pregnancy and lactation (1). Mills & Bone (2005), classify goldenrod as Category B2: No increase in malformation or other harmful effects on the foetus from limited human use. 

    Compatible with breastfeeding (28).

  • Interactions

    Theoretical caution in hypertension due to possibility goldenrod may increase sodium retention (1).

  • Contraindications

    Known allergy or sensitivity to the asteraceae family (29).

    Possible cross reactivity with latex allergy (2,30).

    Cases where it is recommended to reduce fluid intake, such as severe cardiac or renal diseases (26).

  • Sustainability status of goldenrod

    Solidago virgaurea is considered Least Concern as of 2012 (31). Solidago species are native to much of the Northern hemisphere and have been introduced in other regions to the point they may be considered invasive as they grow vigourously. 

    Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Goldenrod comes from cultivated sources in the UK but it may be adulterated with other solidago species (29).

  • References

    1. Goldenrod. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Therapeutic Research Center. Updated December 28, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/Data/ProMonographs/Goldenrod.
    2. Dymowski W, Wiesner J. Addendum to assessment report on Solidago virgaurea L., herba. European Medicines Agency. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Published September 22, 2021. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/addendum-assessment-report-solidago-virgaurea-l-herba_en.pdf.
    3. Savustyanenko AV. The use of extracts of goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) for the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract. Kidneys. 2014;(3.09):29-37. https://doi.org/10.22141/2307-1257.0.3.09.2014.76073 
    4. Holmes P. The Energetics of Western Herbs: Treatment Strategies Integrating Western and Oriental Herbal Medicine. 4th ed. Boulder, CO: Snow Lotus Press; 2007.
    5. Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press; 2003.
    6. Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. London, UK: Penguin; 2016.
    7. Kimmerer RW. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Editions; 2013.
    8. Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. London, UK: Aeon Books; 2023.
    9. Goldenrod flower meaning – the sun-spun Solidago marvel heals, nourishes and inspires. Thursd Web site. Published May 7, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://thursd.com/articles/solidago-goldenrod-flower-meaning.
    10. Gerard J. The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes. London, UK: Adam Islip, Joices Norton, and R. Whitakers; 1597.ema.europa​
    11. Culpeper N. Culpeper’s English Physician, and Complete Herbal. Philadelphia, PA: Richard Evans; 1814.ema.europa​
    12. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. New York, NY: Dover Publications; 1931. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/golrod26.html.
    13. Ganora L. Herbal Constituents: Foundations of Phytochemistry. Louisville, CO: Herbalchem Press; 2009.
    14. Jafarinia M, Sadat Hosseini M, Kasiri N, et al. Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2020;16(1):36. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00434-0.
    15. Hrytsyk Y, Koshovyi O, Lepiku M, et al. Phytochemical and pharmacological research in Galenic remedies of Solidago canadensis L. herb. Phyton (Horn, Austria). 2024;93(9):2303-2315. doi:10.32604/phyton.2024.055117.
    16. Kress H. Henriette’s Herbal Homepage. Accessed February 24, 2026. http://www.henriettes-herb.com.
    17. da Silva AG, Machado ER, de Almeida LM, et al. A clinical trial with Brazilian arnica (Solidago chilensis Meyen) glycolic extract in the treatment of tendonitis of flexor and extensor tendons of wrist and hand. Phytother Res. 2015;29(6):864-869. doi:10.1002/ptr.5323.onlinelibrary.wiley​
    18. Prêcheur I, Rolland Y, Hasseine L, Orange F, Morisot A, Landreau A. Solidago virgaurea L. plant extract targeted against Candida albicans to reduce oral microbial biomass: a double blind randomized trial on healthy adults. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(4):137. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9040137.
    19. Bagadood R. Immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effect of Solidago virgaurea extract against experimental Doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Ann Clin Anal Med. Published online November 1, 2025. doi:10.4328/ACAM.22753.
    20. Edison had a set of tires made from his goldenrod rubber. UPI Archives. Published July 3, 1988. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/07/03/Edison-had-a-set-of-tires-made-from-his/4172583905600/.
    21. Edison succeeded in rubbermaking in last month of his life. New York Times. Published October 22, 1931. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/1931/10/22/archives/edison-succeeded-in-rubbermaking-in-last-month-of-his-life.html.
    22. Solidago virgaurea – goldenrod. Plants for a Future Web site. Updated February 4, 2026. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solidago+virgaurea.
    23. Solidago virgaurea L. Medicinal Plant Names Services. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published 2015. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://mpns.science.kew.org/mpns-portal/plantDetail?plantId=2911230.
    24. Solidago virgaurea. Royal Horticultural Society. Updated December 28, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17496/solidago-virgaurea/details.
    25. Szymura M, Szymura TH. Interactions between alien goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia species) and comparison with native species in Central Europe. Flora (N Y). 2016;218:51-61. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2015.11.009.eppo​
    26. Community herbal monograph on Solidago virgaurea L., herba. European Medicines Agency. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Published 2007. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-solidago-virgaurea-l-herba_en.pdf.
    27. AlleksandraR. Goldenrod syrup. CookINPolish Web site. Published September 2, 2023. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://cookinpolish.com/goldenrod-syrup/.
    28. Mills S, Bone K. The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005.
    29. Bone K. The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Warwick, Queensland: Phytotherapy Press; 2007.
    30. Bains SS, Lang D, Han Y, Hsieh F. Characterizing the allergens contained in goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) [abstract]. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121(2)(suppl):S175. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2007.12.646.
    31. Khela S. Solidago virgaurea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013. Published July 6, 2012. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/200513/2665676.​

Meet our herbal experts

Natalie Blechner
- Herbalist

Natalie Blechner is a medical herbalist who supports people in navigating their health through a collaborative, trauma‑informed, neuro-affirming approach.

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Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (e.g. from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Bland
Blandness refers to a mild, plain, non-stimulating taste and an energetic action that neither irritates nor strongly activates physiological processes. In traditional Chinese medicine, bland substances gently drain dampness and promote urination, relieving excess fluid whilst also preserving qi and yin. Western traditional medicine similarly associates healing with bland substances that avoid extremes of heat or cold and promote restoration of balance. Blandness signifies regulation by supporting elimination and normal tissue function without forceful stimulation, helping to create a gentle and balanced state of homeostasis.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot

Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradish or wasabi, generate warmth when taken.

In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage.

Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold.

Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol.
Neutral
Neutral herbs are characterised as by balanced temperature and energetics — neither warming nor cooling, nor strongly dispersing nor consolidating, and are, therefore, used across a wide spectrum of constitutional and pathological states. In Chinese medicine, this level, calm quality supports the centre, and gently strengthens digestion, regulates fluids, and resolves damp without provoking too much heat or cold. In Western medicine, neutral herbs are regarded as equal in relation to hot/cold or damp/dry and capable of maintaining a state of equilibrium. Neutral herbs can be seen as moderating reactivity, and supporting homeostasis rather than forcing change.
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharp
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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