Goldenrod is Truly Golden

gardensablaze.com

Living in the states you would have to be totally oblivious not to notice the goldenrod growing along the roadsides and hillsides. It does not care that people trample it It goes days without rain and no fertilization is given. It thrives and adds a delightful golden color to the green and black background of our highways.

My friend Jeanne starts sneezing this time of year and she lays some of the blame on Goldenrod (Solidago), but the bulk on the alfalfa fields near her. Because I am curious I have  decided to research Goldenrod.It seems to me our creator has a plan for most everything green.

At: Medicinal Uses of HerbGoldenrod:

• I read that in order to suffer allergies from this plant you would have to virtually bury your face in the flowers “because the plant is not designed for wind pollination.”
• This plant does us a great service by drawing insects to it, which in turn draw birds to it. So not only is it pleasant to the human eye, but to insects and butterflies. The birds know they can find dinner by stopping in to visit the Goldenrods. We know we can rid our garden of harmful pests.
• The flowers have a long lasting bloom, blooming in late July through the fall, making them a great addition to your floral bouquets.
• In North America there are some 100 varieties of this plant because they are able to cross-pollinate.
• They are winter hardy so will come back without fail to make their appearance year after year.
• The crushed leave smell like anise and can be used to make anise flavored tea.
• All the above ground parts of the plant are safe for human consumption.
• They are known for their medicinal properties.
• You can grow them in your garden by planting either the seed or the root.
• It is not fussy about the soil, or even about being watered daily.
• Too much fertilization will cause you to get fewer flowers.
• Do not plant the seed too deep. It takes very little soil to get its start.

Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs advises that although Goldenrod has been considered the cause of allergies, the blames more rightly placed on ragweed.

Goldenrod has been used both in America and Europe to treat a variety of ailments:

• Colds and flu
• Bladder inflammation
• Digestive problems
• Kidney stones
• Sore throats/laryngitis
• Fatigue
• Urinary tract infections
• Hay fever and allergies
• Use the leave topically to heal wounds.
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Head ache
• Malaria
• Measles
• Arthritis
• Kidney ailments
• Chronic eczema
• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Diaphoretic

I f you decide to gather some Goldenrod for its medicinal properties, collect it when it is flowering spreading it out on a board or a cookie sheet so it can dry.  Freeze it for a few hours then brush the soil off your leaves gently with a soft paint brush, then you can actually bag portions and freeze them for later consumption.

For a list of herbs that are beneficial to our health and can be used in make teas:

How to Make Herbal Tea 

• When making teas for medicinal use, one should take care to “keeping the lid on”. Some of the healing properties will escape in that delightful aroma we enjoy so much.
• Use a non-metal container. The metal properties may interfere with the properties of the herbal blend.
• Pour the boiling water over the herbs.

• Let steep for approximately five minutes.
• Garnish with your favorite herb sprigs, citrus fruits and or honey.
  

  Image via Wikipedia

  Goldenrod has essential oils.

When purchasing essential oils at a health food store, we are buying oils which have been commercially extracted

When purchasing essential oils at a health food store, we are buying oils which have been commercially extracted so they are stronger than what we can prepare at home, but we can make our own.  To make your own herbal oil or ointment you will need four ounces of fresh or 2 ounces of dried herbs with 1 pint of olive, safflower or other pure vegetable oil. Heat it slowly for about an hour. If you want it thicker add 1 to 1 ½ ounces of beeswax to it. Let it cool and bottle it for future use.  For more information regarding making your own essential oils for herbal remedies and aromatherapy read: How to Make Essential Herbal Oils & Ointment 

By taking advantage of nature’s bounty we are being kind to our pocket books and our health. If you have serious health issues you should always consult your family health care provider. I am in no way trying to replace him or her. Please live a healthy and happy life.