Plant-Grow-Bloom: Goldenrod

​Goldenrod, also known as Solidago canadensis, can be identified by its tall stem and yellow flowers.  There are many different kinds of Goldenrod which can be difficult to identify.  This species of Goldenrod, Solidago canadensis is the most common.  The name comes from Latin and means causes to solidify or bring together, specifically speaking of a wound.  In fact, Goldenrod was a wound remedy used in the Middle Ages.  In the past, it has been used to stop blood in ulcers and wounds.  

Rademacher states that Goldenrod is a “very old and good kidney medicine.”  The main job of the kidney is to filter waste from the blood.  When someone is dealing with a lack of endurance or unable to preserve through a difficulty, the kidneys are weakened and unable to do their job.  Specifically, uric acid needs to be removed by the kidneys.  If they are unable to do so, it must leave through the bowels, skin or lungs, which can cause many other problems, such as diarrhea, ulcers, sores, acne, etc.  Goldenrod helps to pull the blood from the vessels into the kidneys. 

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Fun fact: The kidney and sexual organs have a close relationship.  This is why Goldenrod can benefit both organs.

With this herb, the entire plant can be used.  Goldenrod’s leaves are bitter and stimulate the stomach and digestive tract.  Leaves should be harvested during early summer.  The flowers have a higher amount of volatile oils which cuts back on their bitterness.  Flowers help balance the respiratory system.  Flowers are harvested in late summer and early fall.  Goldenrod’s roots are peppery and slightly bitter; they help to stimulate the kidneys.  Harvest the roots during the fall.

According to Ludwig Kroeber, flowers and leaves were used to remedy diarrhea, scrofula (another name for Tuberculosis), asthma, cough, chronic catarrh (excessive mucus), bedwetting, jaundice, throat problems, gum ulcerations, teeth problems, ulcers and swellings.  Goldenrod has also been used for menstrual problems like cramping and excessive bleeding.

Symptoms of weakened kidneys:

• Cloudy and burning urine
• Sore, tender, achy kidneys
• Tired lower back
• Tired feet

A decoction of Goldenrod helps to bring the urine back to being clear and normal.

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​Pick flowers directly from the plant.

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​Pull up the entire plant to get the root system.  Check out all of this new growth!  In the fall, the roots start to grow horizontally.  You can tell the difference because the new growth is almost white in color.

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We pulled all the flowers off of the plants that we uprooted also.  There were some aphids on them, so we left the bowl outside for a day to encourage the little critters to crawl out. 

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​Using scissors, cut the roots off of the plant.​

Recipe

1. Get a small, glass jar and fill about half way with chopped flowers from Goldenrod plant.

2. Fill the rest of the jar with a high proof alcohol.

3. Put the lid on the jar and put somewhere out of direct sunlight.

4. After 4-6 weeks, strain the flowers out.

5. Don't forget to label your jar so you know which tincture it is!  *Usually good for at least one year.

Resources:

The Book of Herbal Wisdom Using Plants as Medicine by Matthew Wood