.....misunderstood goldenrod

Yogis,

Poor Ms Goldenrod. She always seems to take the blame.

As a late bloomer, it isn’t until early September that she puts on her show. Large plumes of tiny yellow flowers bloom brightly on tall upright stalks. A lover of crowds, she is typically surrounded by many of her friends creating a vibrant display. Often gathered along sides of roads, in open meadows and in fields, goldenrod sways with the breezes of the approaching fall as if to capture your attention.

It is at this same time of year that the telltale sneezes and watery eyes of fall seasonal allergies kick into gear. Of course, the wave from Ms Goldenrod, and the tissue in hand get woven together in our mind, convincing us that she must be the culprit. But alas, she is not……..

It is virtually impossible to be allergic to goldenrod, but ragweed on the other hand can wreak havoc to the respiratory system. Ragweed, however, is a green somewhat shy nondescript plant, choosing to bloom at the same time as goldenrod, and often, right under her shadow. Very sly.

Not only does goldenrod not cause you suffering, she offers healing in so many different ways. This week I sat in the garden and spent time with her making medicines.

I began by making a tincture. Taking a tall stalk, I removed all of the leaves and flowers and chopped them up into a mason jar, filling it to the top. For this batch I chose brandy as the solvent, pouring it into the jar until all of the plant material was covered. The jar will now sit inside out of the sun for a minimum of six weeks before I strain out the plant and bottle the now medicinal liquid.

Next, goldenrod infused oil. Exact same process except I used good quality organic olive oil as the solvent. Oils must be strained after six weeks and will last about a year. I will then take this oil and make it into salves.  

Upper part of the stalks with flowers cut, tied with a rubber band and hung upside down to dry will provide tea for the upcoming cold winter days.  And the goldenrod vinegar I am making by soaking the leaves and flowers in pasteurized apple cider vinegar for a month in a dark place, will be a wonderful mineral laden addition to my salads.

So many ways to use her. But what will she do for us?

Goldenrod as a diuretic offers aid to the kidneys, helping to reduce the risk of kidney stones, remove urinary gravel and reduce inflammation of the urinary tract. She offers relief for joint pain and arthritis and is also a skin healer for wounds and eczema.

An ally for the upper respiratory system, she helps alleviate congestion, sinusitis, catarrh, colds and even….. ahem…..seasonal allergies. A salve rubbed in can calm muscle pain and she has a particular affinity for neck pain.

Watch for her as you drive about these next couple of weeks and wait for her wave. She will be the one covered with bees and butterflies. And now you know you don’t have to be afraid to get close to say hi……

Thank you goldenrod,
SARAH