05/28/2020 / By Zoey Sky
Goldenrod is a yellow wildflower often used to make herbal supplements and teas. This medicinal plant has many survival uses, making it a must-have in your home garden. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)
Goldenrod grows in roadside ditches and fields and it is often considered a weed. The plant bears yellow flowers in late summer and early fall.
Since goldenrod cross-pollinates easily with other plants, there are over 100 different species of the plan, many of which are believed to have similar beneficial properties.
Solidago virgaurea or European goldenrod is the most commonly studied species in terms of the plant’s health benefits. Goldenrod is used in both traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine in some European countries.
The parts of the plant that grow above ground, like its flowers and leaves, are often used for medicinal purposes.
Goldenrod contains various beneficial plant compounds, such as saponins and flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol.
Saponins are plant compounds that offer health benefits. They help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast-like Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause vaginal yeast infections and infections in other parts of the body.
Additionally, saponins have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects in test-tube and animal studies.
Goldenrod is often used as a natural diuretic. Aside from being used to lower cholesterol, the plant is also used to treat:
European goldenrod, the type usually found growing in pastures and by the roadside, grows from 3-7 feet tall. (Related: 5 Medicinal plants that you need in your home garden.)
Yellow flowers appear on European goldenrod at the beginning of August or September, depending on the climate in your area. The plant thrives in full sun.
When harvesting goldenrod, keep these tips in mind:
When in doubt, crush a leaf from the plant. Learn how the resin inside feels and make a mental note about its unique aroma, which has a hint of salt and balsam.
Note that goldenrod may look similar to dangerous plants like groundsel, ragwort and wild parsnips.
Goldenrod grows well in agricultural growing zones 3 through 9.
Goldenrod can be used topically as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis. The plant is best used in salve form for minor wounds.
Goldenrod infusion
This infusion is used as the base of various goldenrod recipes.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
There are two ways to process a goldenrod infusion: the traditional slow method and the modern quick method.
Slow method:
Quick method:
Final step (use with either the slow or quick method):
Goldenrod salve
This recipe yields approximately 6 fl oz.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Do not use goldenrod is you are allergic to ragweed, get hay fever or have related seasonal allergies. The plant may cause dermatitis or a rash on your skin.
Possible side effects of goldenrod include:
Goldenrod is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, people with hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), kidney disease or any type of heart disease.
If you’re not used to taking goldenrod remedies, consult your natural health practitioner to check for possible drug or allergic interactions.
Once you have confirmed that you can safely use natural remedies like a goldenrod salve, use the medicinal plant to treat minor wounds and other conditions.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: alternative medicine, goldenrod, herbal medicine, Herbs, home gardening, medicinal plants, natural cures, natural medicine, off grid, remedies, survival medicine
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