American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

(Editor’s note: Jatropha species are not found in Tennessee, and their spiney
Euphorbaceae relative Cnidoscolus—sometimes called Horse Nettle or Mala Mujer,
could not grow so far north...so, despite the references by Dr. Burgess to “Jatropha”,
the plant discussed is most likely, as Lloyd averred, S. carolinense and/or S.
rostratum)
SOLIDAGO. Solidago odora.
Synonyms—Sweet Golden Rod, Fragrant Leaved Golden Rod, Sweet
Scented Golden Rod, Blue Mountain Tea.
CONSTITUENTS—
The plant contains a volatile oil.
PREPARATIONS—
An infusion may be given in doses of one ounce.
The oil is given in from one to three drops.
There is a homeopathic mother tincture.
Therapy—This agent has been used as a domestic remedy for backaches
and diseases of the kidneys for centuries in Germany. Radamacher spoke
highly of its properties. Homeopathic physicians prescribe it where there
is pain in the kidneys, from any cause, extending forward toward the
abdomen. Pain in circumscribed spots over the kidneys. Difficult and
scanty urination, where the urine is of dark color, and contains a heavy
sediment. Where there is nephritis, either acute or chronic. It is useful
where there is suppression of urine in infants, or retained urine, which
causes general depression, with headache. Urinary obstructions, from
any character, in the early stage of dropsy, depending upon kidney
disease.
The oil is carminative, and may be given in flatulent colic, cramps or
pains in the stomach, from flatulency, with or without nausea.
In dysentery, diarrhea and in cholera morbus, an infusion or a few drops
of the oil in hot water, given in conjunction with other indicated
remedies, will be found of service. Hot infusions should be tried in
amenorrhea, especially that form resulting from a cold of recent
occurrence.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 411