Goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis) is a fall feast for wildlife. The wonderful compact pollen in the flowers are greedily accepted by bees as their last meal before the frost. The cheery yellow flowers are wonderful to watch blowing in a field or forest edge, bringing to mind the filtered light of the sun that is cast this time of year.
It is fitting that this plant should be linked to the sun and its life giving properties as it is part of the Asteraceae family along with sunflowers. The restorative benefits of this herb have been well documented among indigenous people as well as early American literature. It’s latin name, solidago, means “to make whole”.
The flowers also makes a lovely mustard yellow dye which can be used to color clothing, wool, and other products naturally.
Contrary to popular belief, this flower does not cause seasonal allergies as the pollen is dependent on pollinators to be spread. Ragweed, which also blooms this time of year, is usually the culprit for the excessive sneezing.
In medicine, goldenrod is primarily used to help with urinary tract infections as it is a diuretic and will help you to reduce toxic fluids in the kidneys. However, there are other uses for this herb that are often overlooked.
Because of its link to the kidneys as well as the function of the plant as a food source for insects before winter, goldenrod is a remedy for exhaustion due to stress and overworking. It has a soothing and restorative quality, especially if there is a aching in the back. Energetically you can think of this remedy helping with qui or chi.
The color yellow also corresponds to the solar plexus and sacral chakra.
Benefits:
-beneficial for UTI and chronic kidney issues
-helps gout
-dries mucus in sinus/lungs
-helps to reduce allergies
-topical wound healing/insect bites
-reduce inflammation
About me: I am an herbalist who has been using natural remedies and homemade cosmetics for the last 9 years. After my children were born I wanted to create products that were sustainable, healthy for our mind and body, and affordable.
-Jessica
I have goldenrod tinctures for sale here:
I create natural medicines , salves, and other products here:
StarsAndYarrow 
Leave a comment