Goldenrod

Identifying Goldenrod

Goldenrod’s medicine begins with its beauty. A sea of bright yellow swarming with bees, just being in its presence feels healing. And then there’s the harvest. Standing knee-deep in its glow, we fill a bag with its beauty. Saunter through a meadow. Picnic by a frigid creek. Doze in dappled sunlight. And all of this is now part of the medicine for you, too.

Goldenrod grows all over the country. Like many medicinal plants, Goldenrod can be found on land that needs healing—near roads, ditches, pastures, and other impacted environments. There are many many species of Goldenrod in the Solidago genus, and they all impart healing goodness. Goldenrod flowers can grow up to five or even seven feet tall, though they get to about three feet where we live.

Goldenrod’s simple leaves are alternately arranged on their stems and can be slightly toothed, hairy or smooth. Leaf shape varies by species, but near us they are long and lance-shaped.

Do you know the word “inflorescence”? I just love saying it. It refers to the flowering part of a plant. The inflorescence of Goldenrod is made up of clusters of flower heads comprised of many tiny flowers—about thirty per flower head.

It’s important to positively identify this plant correctly, for there are other highly toxic yellow flowers (particularly ragwort and groundsel) that beginning foragers may mistake for Goldenrod. Please do not collect this beauty for food or medicine unless you are absolutely certain that it is, indeed, Goldenrod!

Goldenrod for your Urinary Tract

Is it just a coincidence that this golden plant is excellent for the bladder and urinary tract? Hmmm. Well, this winter when Seth had a UTI, he dosed himself a couple times a day with Goldenrod tincture, Madrone leaf tea, and unsweetened cranberry juice. A few weeks of this ritual took care of the UTI without necessitating antibiotics. Now he uses it at the first signs of imbalance and it reliably takes care of his discomfort!

According to herbalist Scott Kloos in Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants, Goldenrod “increases urine output, strengthens the bladder, and speeds the healing of urinary tract infections.” It is also said to prevent the formation of kidney stones. What’s not to love?

Goldenrod for Sinuses and Colds

As an astringent plant, Goldenrod works as an excellent decongestant for your upper respiratory system. It can be taken to clear up congestion caused by allergies, colds, or flu. Paired with cottonwood bud tincture, Goldenrod tea or tincture can provide great relief when you’re feeling stuffed up.

Goldenrod for Digestion

Goldenrod tea or tincture is also great for digestion. It can stimulate digestive juices and help relieve gas and belly stagnation. Its drying nature also makes it a good remedy for diarrhea.

Goldenrod for Skin Health

Goldenrod reduces inflammation and, taken internally, can help the body cleanse itself of waste products that lead to skin issues like acne, psoriasis, or eczema. Used externally as a wash made from tea or a salve, Goldenrod can help heal wounds, burns, and cuts.

Bring Goldenrod’s Magic Home