Herb & supplement monograph

Goldenrod Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Goldenrod interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Goldenrod is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Goldenrod is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Goldenrod Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Goldenrod drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and the single concern behind the whole list rests on lab and animal research rather than studies in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction worth knowing about involves diuretics, often called water pills. Goldenrod showed a diuretic-like effect in lab and animal studies, so in theory it could add to the effects of these medications and increase side effects such as fluid loss. This matters most for people whose blood pressure or fluid balance is closely managed. Even so, this effect has not been confirmed in human studies.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications looks long, it comes down to one theoretical concern that applies across the many different diuretic medicines. Every entry is rated moderate, not because harm has been shown in people, but because a possible added diuretic effect cannot be ruled out. No interaction on this list has been proven in humans.

Check your medications against Goldenrod

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Goldenrod interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Goldenrod

75 medications have a known interaction with Goldenrod, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Goldenrod using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Goldenrod interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Goldenrod combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Goldenrod affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Goldenrod is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Goldenrod interacts with

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, goldenrod might increase the effects and adverse effects of diuretic drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that goldenrod has diuretic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Goldenrod: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Goldenrod is a flowering plant traditionally used as an herbal diuretic and for urinary tract health. Human evidence is limited, and while it is generally well tolerated, people with certain allergies, kidney problems, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be cautious. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Scientific name: Solidago virgaurea
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: Aerial parts (flowers, leaves, and stems)
Common forms: Tea, tincture, liquid extract, capsules, dried herb

People commonly use it for

Urinary tract health
Mild bladder or kidney support
Inflammation
Sore throat and mouth rinse
Wound care (traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Often well tolerated short-term, but human safety data are limited and allergy is possible.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Goldenrod refers to a group of flowering plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family, best known for their bright yellow flower clusters. The species most often used in herbal products is Solidago virgaurea, sometimes called European goldenrod, though many of the roughly 100+ species grow across North America, Europe, and Asia.

The above-ground parts of the plant — the flowers, leaves, and stems — are dried and used to make teas, tinctures, liquid extracts, and capsules. In traditional European herbal medicine, goldenrod has long been used as a "flushing" remedy to support the urinary tract and to help the body pass more water and fluid.

Despite its long history of folk use, goldenrod is not a mainstream medicine in most countries, and high-quality human research on it is limited.

How it works

Goldenrod contains several plant compounds that researchers believe may be responsible for its effects, including flavonoids, saponins, phenolic acids, and small amounts of essential oil. These compounds may have mild diuretic (water-flushing), anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity.

The traditional idea behind its use in the urinary tract is that it gently increases urine output, which may help "flush" the system. Some lab studies also suggest its compounds can act against certain bacteria and reduce inflammation.

It is important to know that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal research. These findings are promising clues but do not prove that goldenrod produces the same effects in the human body.

Effectiveness

Does Goldenrod work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated

4 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Goldenrod, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral goldenrod has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dental plaque

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Topical goldenrod has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral goldenrod for kidney stones, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenrod for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral goldenrod has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Goldenrod is generally considered to be fairly well tolerated when used short-term in normal amounts, but its safety has not been well studied. Because it is in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, people allergic to plants such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums may also react to goldenrod.

People with kidney disease, heart failure, or conditions that require limiting fluids should be cautious, since a diuretic effect could worsen fluid or electrolyte balance. Anyone with active urinary or kidney symptoms should see a doctor rather than self-treating.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information, so goldenrod is best avoided in both situations. It is also not recommended for young children without medical advice. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting goldenrod, especially if you take medications or have an ongoing health condition.

Side effects

Reported side effects are usually mild and may include stomach upset, nausea, or increased urination from its diuretic effect. Drinking goldenrod tea often increases how much fluid you pass.

The most important concern is allergic reaction, especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants. Signs can include rash, itching, or in rare cases more serious reactions such as trouble breathing or swelling — seek emergency care if these occur.

Because human data are limited, the full range of possible side effects is not well documented. Stop using goldenrod and contact a healthcare provider if you feel unwell.

Goldenrod: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Goldenrod from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

There is a limited amount of information available about the adverse effects of goldenrod.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Topically: Allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Reports by condition

Asthma Pulmonary/Respiratory

Environmental exposure to goldenrod has been reported to cause a delayed allergic reaction involving rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma in one case report of a 42 year-old woman who worked at a flower shop and was exposed to members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, including goldenrod.

Uter, W., Nohle, M., Randerath, B., and Schwanitz, H. J. Occupational contact urticaria and late-phase bronchial asthma caused by compositae pollen in a florist. Am J Contact Dermat. 2001;12(3):182-184.

Asthma Immunologic

Topically, goldenrod has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Environmental exposure to goldenrod has been reported to cause an allergic reaction involving rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma in one case report.

Uter, W., Nohle, M., Randerath, B., and Schwanitz, H. J. Occupational contact urticaria and late-phase bronchial asthma caused by compositae pollen in a florist. Am J Contact Dermat. 2001;12(3):182-184.

Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, goldenrod has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for goldenrod, and the right amount can vary widely depending on the product, the species used, and the form (tea, tincture, or capsule).

Because of this, the best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. When goldenrod is used for urinary flushing, it is usually combined with drinking plenty of water.

Before using goldenrod, check with a pharmacist or doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you and that the dose and product are reasonable for your situation.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Goldenrod & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Goldenrod & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 6 references that drive our Goldenrod monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
Uter, W., Nohle, M., Randerath, B., and Schwanitz, H. J. Occupational contact urticaria and late-phase bronchial asthma caused by compositae pollen in a florist. Am J Contact Dermat. 2001;12(3):182-184. DOI
Chodera, A., Dabrowska, K., Sloderbach, A., Skrzypczak, L., and Budzianowski, J. [Effect of flavonoid fractions of Solidago virgaurea L on diuresis and levels of electrolytes]. Acta Pol.Pharm 1991;48(5-6):35-37.
Chodera, A., Dabrowska, K., Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska, T., Tkaczyk, J., Skrzypczak, L., and Budzianowski, J. [Effect of leiocarposide on experimental urinary calculi in rats]. Acta Pol.Pharm 1988;45(2):181-186.
Chodera, A., Dabrowska, K., Skrzypczak, L., and Budzianowski, J. [Further studies on the diuretic effect of leiocarposide]. Acta Pol.Pharm 1986;43(5):499-503.
Chodera, A., Dabrowska, K., Senczuk, M., Wasik-Olejnik, A., Skrzypczak, L., Budzianowski, J., and Ellnain-Wojtaszek, M. [Diuretic effect of the glycoside from a plant of the Solidago L. genus]. Acta Pol.Pharm 1985;42(2):199-204.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Goldenrod

65 brands in our database make a supplement containing Goldenrod.

Absolute Nutrition 15 products Amvilab 48 products Bioforce 26 products Biotics Research Corporation 250 products Cedar Bear 69 products Clinical Synergy Professional Formula 4 products DNA Dynamic Nutritional Associates 30 products Doctor Morse's Healing Herbs 47 products Douglas Laboratories 3,067 products Dr. Clark Research Association Dr. Clark Zentrum 89 products Dr. Clark Store 116 products Dr. Schulze's 11 products Dr. Tobias 48 products ecoNugenics 102 products Elevate Recovery Supplements 35 products Energetix 283 products Enzymatic Therapy 675 products Extreme Products 32 products Gaia Herbs 700 products Gaia Herbs DailyWellness 44 products Genestra Brands 998 products Global Healing Center 98 products GNC Men's 62 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Goldenrod

204 products in our database contain Goldenrod. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Goldenrod: Common Questions

What is Goldenrod used for, and does it work?

People use Goldenrod for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Goldenrod interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 75 medications with a known interaction with Goldenrod. Use the checker above to see how Goldenrod interacts with a specific drug.

How are Goldenrod interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Goldenrod with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Goldenrod interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Goldenrod used for?

It is most often used as a traditional herbal remedy for urinary tract health and to gently increase urine flow, and sometimes for inflammation or sore throat. Strong human evidence is lacking for these uses.

Is Goldenrod safe to take?

It is generally well tolerated short-term in normal amounts, but safety data are limited. People allergic to ragweed or daisies, and those with kidney or heart problems, should be especially cautious and check with a healthcare provider first.

Can I use Goldenrod if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid Goldenrod during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Goldenrod cause hay fever?

Goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies, but its pollen is heavy and insect-spread, so it is an unlikely cause. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is usually the real culprit — though people allergic to ragweed may still react to Goldenrod.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Goldenrod

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Goldenrod — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 204 products with Goldenrod →

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Goldenrod Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Goldenrod Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Goldenrod

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Goldenrod affects

Goldenrod: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Goldenrod work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Goldenrod: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Goldenrod & Pregnancy

Goldenrod & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Goldenrod

Supplement products with Goldenrod

Goldenrod: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Goldenrod

Have a question about Goldenrod?