Medicinal Goldenrod: High Summer Magic for your Urinary Tract, Sinuses, Belly, and Skin
Becca in Bear Meadow. Photo credit: Raquel Moody
Hello beautiful people!
It’s still high summer and there’s nowhere I’d rather be now than high in the mountains. A couple weeks ago, Seth’s sister paid us a visit so we took her to some of our favorite meadows surrounding Dutchman Peak, the mountain we see from home. Yellows, purples, and fuschias are Dutchman’s favorite hues right now. And one of the most prolific golds of all is gifted by 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 filled a bag with its beauty. Sauntered through a meadow. Picnicked by and dipped in a freezing cold creek. Dozed in dappled sunlight. And all of this is now part of the medicine for you, too.
But wait! There’s more! Goldenrod is also known to be super supportive of the bladder and urinary tract, sinuses, gut, and skin. Read on to learn more about Goldenrod’s particular magic and how you can integrate this valuable gold into your life.
Identifying Goldenrod
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 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 harvest in the Siskiyou Mountains
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 as Decongestant
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
Stripped Goldenrod
If you live near a patch of Goldenrod, now’s the time to bring its magic home with you! Clip off the top third of healthy-looking plants when the flowers are just starting to bloom. You can dry the flowers and leaves on screens or by hanging a bundle upside in a dark place with good air circulation. Dried Goldenrod can be drunk as tea or tossed into soups and stews. You can also make tincture, oil, or salve out of it.
If you want to make Goldenrod tincture, the best medicine will come from fresh plants. Follow this recipe to stock your home apothecary!
You can also simply buy some of this magic directly from us! We are delighted to share these little bottles filled with healing summer sun, bee love, seas of gold, and meadow naps with you.
Be well. Be kind. Be patient. Soak up every morsel of good you encounter. Spread the love.
Lots and lots of love, Becca + Seth xoxo
