Goldenrod Essential Oil
Solidago canadensis
Description
Goldenrod Essential Oil possesses a distinctive, sharp, herbaceous aroma. I am not particularly fond of the aroma when first assessing it on a fragrance test strip, but I enjoy the aroma after a few moments. I find that Goldenrod Essential Oil blends particularly well with herbaceous, coniferous and citrus essential oils. Julia Lawless suggests that it blends well with "ravintsara, peru balsam, rosemary, pine, ginger, spruce and spice oils." [Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 104.]
Of the GC/MS reports that I have studied for Goldenrod Essential Oil, the oil tends to be comprised primarily of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, particularly Germacrene D, alpha-Pinene, Myrcene and Limonene.
This profile pertains specifically to Goldenrod Essential Oil distilled from the flowering tops of Solidago canadensis. Several species exist that are loosely referred to as goldenrod. As with all essential oils, it's important to verify the botanical name of the plant species that was distilled to produce the essential oil that you are working with or considering purchasing.
Solidago canadensis is a tall, perennial plant with small golden flowers that grows abundantly in the wild. It belongs to the Asteraceae plant family and is native to regions of North America, particularly Canada. Most of the Goldenrod Essential Oil that I have found from reputable sellers is sourced from Canada.
Goldenrod Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
- Coughs and Colds
- Respiratory Congestion
- Sinus Infection
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 104.
Botanical Name
Plant Family
Common Method of Extraction
Steam Distilled
Plant Part Typically Used
Color of Goldenrod Essential Oil
Virtually Clear to Pale Yellow
Consistency
Thin
Perfumery Note
Middle
Strength of Initial Aroma
Medium
Aromatic Description
Goldenrod Essential Oil smells slightly sharp, herbaceous, earthy, and slightly hay-like.
Major Constituents of Canadian Goldenrod Essential Oil
- Germacrene D
- Limonene
- Myrcene
- a-pinene
- B-phellandrene
- Bornyl acetate
Sources: GC/MS Reports for Solidago canadensis from Stillpoint Aromatics and Florihana Distillerie. Accessed: September 13, 2020.
Goldenrod Essential Oil Safety Information
Tisserand and Young do not indicate any special precautions when using Goldenrod Essential Oil. However, Julia Lawless reports that some possible skin sensitivity may exist. Lawless also mentions that there may be high levels of estragole in some chemotypes. I have not personally come upon these chemotypes, but be aware they may exist. Reading the full profiles of Julia Lawless and also Tisserand and Young is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 297. Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 103-104.]
General Safety Information
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Before using this or any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Shelf Life
Important Information About the Profiles
The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for basic educational purposes only. The references to safety information, test results, constituents and percentages is generalized information. Essential oils can vary greatly in composition. The data is not necessary complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The essential oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, essential oil composition and color can vary based on harvesting, distillation, age of the essential oil and other factors. Profiles for several CO2 Extracts and absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.
