This particular plant is in bloom right now. Often confused with Ragweed and thought to cause allergic reactions, this plant is actually very helpful in teas, tonic, and tinctures. So in honor of it blooming in all its glory right about now, I have chosen
Goldenrod Solidago spp. as Herb of the Week
Almost
no known issues are recorded for goldenrod, although Aster family plant sensitivity is possible. Some sources
recommend avoiding during pregnancy, but I don’t know a specific reason for this. But please, do not use goldenrod as a substitute for medical care in cases of
serious kidney disease or infection.
Goldenrod Solidago spp. as Herb of the Week
When the tall spires of goldenrod begin to boast
their yellow blooms I know we have reached fall. That color seems to by synonymous with the
season change. Goldenrod is a member of
the daisy (Asteraceae) family and grows all over the world and most species are
probably medicinal in some respect or another.
The name solidago means "to make whole."
Historical references site using goldenrod poultices for healing wounds and for
use on burns. Also known as Blue Mountain Tea and Liberty Tea certainly hints at its medicinal uses in history.
Goldenrod is a delicious edible. The flowers
can be fried up as fritters and the mild tasting leaves can be cooked and eaten
as well. I
recently learned that the goldenrod stem makes a great "hand drill"
to start a fire. Instead of using a bow drill, you twirl the goldenrod stem
around with your palms to create the friction and heat to start the fire. They might need this info on the next “Survivor.”
One
of my herbalist friends makes a dye from goldenrod. She colored wool roving and yarn, and silk
scarves, saying the color was so bright and pretty.
Growing??
There are over 100 species of goldenrods
(Solidago). Solidago virgaurea, S. canadensis, S. gigantea, and S. odora as
well as others. All commonly used in a similar
manner. Each species has varying degrees of qualities however. One species may be
more bitter than the next, or more astringent. Most of the time these plants
grow as weeds filling empty areas and field margins. I do not know of anyone in Illinois planting goldenrod on purpose, but I have seen the seed in catalogs. It is a natural prairie plant and in my recent walks to restored prairie areas and areas left to grow wild it is prolific.
The leaves grow opposite and are
lance-shaped. The flowers are numerous
and yellow appearing at the top of the stalk with a large number of blooms
populating a single branch.
I haven't heard of any Solidago variety being
harmful, but it is always best to know exactly what you are harvesting and using.
Check with local sources to see if your local varieties have a history of use.
Medicinal Uses
Almost all the parts of Goldenrod can be used for medicinal concoctions. The Fresh flower or flowering tops can be tinctured,
flower infused honey, root tincture, infusion or strong tea of dried leaves or
flowering tops, flower or flowering tops infused oil, flower elixir, this list
goes on.
Goldenrod has a long history of use for the
urinary system. It has been used for urinary tract infections as a tool for strengthening
the kidneys. Goldenrod is both astringent and antiseptic. By tightening and toning the tissues of the
urinary system, as well as providing action against bacteria, goldenrod is well
suited to addressing bladder and urinary tract infections. Many of the older herbal literature sources
cite it being used for kidney stones and it is still being used this way.
The German Commission E has officially
approved goldenrod for the treatment of bladder and urinary system inflammations.
Another area where goldenrod shines is for allergic
reactions or seasonal allergies. I use it in many of my seasonal formulas
(often combined with peach and plantain) and have seen it completely eliminate
the itchy-red-eyes, runny nose and excessive sneezing symptoms for many people.
Goldenrod also works really well for cat
dander allergies. I suggest that people keep start with a small does and keep
increasing the dose until relief is found.
Many people despise goldenrod and blame it
for their fall sniffles. However, the more likely culprit is ragweed an Ambrosia
species. Goldenrod is pollinated by insects, not by wind. As a result, its pollen
is heavy and sticky and does not readily float through the air and thus into
people's noses to cause the offending symptoms.
In
recent times goldenrod has gained popularity for reliving many different aches
and pains from chronic arthritis and acute injuries. It can be infused into oil
and rubbed into the painful areas for this purpose. Using the flowers in oils makes a lovely
golden color and is nice used in cosmetic items. Barbara Hall over at Lady
Barbara’s Garden has also popularized it for all sorts of achy
pains, including arthritis in the hands and many people swear by the oil for
their painful, stiff fingers come winter.
Goldenrod has 4 times the antioxidant levels
of green tea. Antioxidants are often called the key to
good health and longevity. They can rid the body of free radicals, thus reducing
the oxygenation of our cells. This process is often blamed for the aging
process. Goldenrod is a good source of the constituent rutin. This flavonoid is
well-known for its antioxidant benefits and is considered especially beneficial
for heart health. I think the best part about this news is that goldenrod makes
a rather tasty tea. Slightly sweet and
astringent with a hint of volatile oils it is a tea treat. Drinking the tea can relieve some flu symptoms
and may be useful for treating kidney stones.
Although a tincture may be better way to use it medicinally for
kidney treatments.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, SO FUN AND USEFUL....TERRI
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