Goldenrod

The species name of Goldenrod- Solidago- means “to make whole.” It is a premier remedy for hay fever allergies- ironic as with its showy yellow plumes and ragweed lurking in the background, goldenrod often gets the blame for everyone’s misery! There are around a hundred species of Solidago. Almost all of them are medicinal.

A good choice is usually the native variety. Goldenrod will start her show of yellow fireworks in late summer, sending up large yellow plumes all along the roadsides. The leaves are lance-shaped and alternating, with no leaf stem. The leaf is rough, with small teeth along the margin and small hairs underneath. To harvest goldenrod, use the aerial parts. Use the leaves and the flowers. The stems are fine to be in the herbal preparations, but there is little medicinal component to them. Pro tip- If you plan to dry them for later usage, harvest the plant while it is still in the bud stage. If they have already bloomed and you dry them, the flowers will be a big fluffy mess all over the floor. This is an herb I use frequently in several different preparations, making goldenrod harvest season a busy time! I typically tincture goldenrod for later use for colds, flu, urinary tract issues, etc. I like to infuse goldenrod into witch hazel to use for wounds, and powder some for wound powder. I dry some to drink for tea if I feel allergies coming on. The tea is actually pretty tasty as far as herbal teas go. It tastes like weak black tea. It also makes an excellent oil for sore joints.

try to harvest right before the buds open to save yourself a big mess!

One of my favorite uses for goldenrod is as an antihistamine for itchiness and irritation. Taking the tincture several times a day will help alleviate the itchy eyes and sinus reactions the changing seasons sometimes brings. It is one of the best, almost immediate remedies for that itch in the back of your throat. Taken as a hot tea, it can help move mucus out of the lungs and bronchioles. Its astringent qualities are a tonic to the lungs, soothing bronchitis and coughs. While this herb has many uses, there are also a couple very specific indications: cat dander and candida.

Probably my favorite way to use goldenrod is in an infused honey. After you harvest your goldenrod, let it dry for a couple days. This is as easy as letting it stay out on your counter. This allows much of the water to evaporate from the plant. Skipping this step will cause your honey infusion to ferment, creating a much different product! After you’ve allowed the goldenrod to dry for a couple days, strip the leaves and flowers from the stem. This part is messy, so you may want to do it outside. Using a canning funnel allows you to strip them straight into a jar with a wider target. Fill the jar half full with herbs. Then, fill to the top with honey. Give it a good stir. Stir each day for a couple of weeks. You can then strain the herbs out so it’s ready to go, or just leave it in the honey so it continues to infuse and become more potent. Start taking a spoonful every hour when your eyes or nose get itchy from an impending head cold or allergies. You can either use it straight or use it to sweeten your herbal tea.