Goldenrod

Goldenrod Solidago sp.

Many mistakingly think Goldenrod is an allergen. Myth. One of the reasons people believe this is that the common allergen Ragweed Ambrosia sp. flowers at much the same time in early Fall. When pointing fingers in fear and speculation who knows. Goldenrod species is common throughout N. America and in much of the world. 
Be sure to harvest at least 100' from highways and toxic areas. It loves to grow there as it helps the Earth cleansing processes. Gather less than 25% of any colony. Our gratitude in harvesting anything can be expressed in many ways. 

As a tonic or tea it strengthens us with seasonal readiness for the approaching cooler weathers.


from http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbGoldenrodMed.htm


"...in America we don't use Goldenrod much medicinally, the German Commission E (an expert committee formed to evaluate herbs and herbal combinations) has approved Goldenrod for bladder and kidney stones, and as a diuretic to help flush out urinary infections, and it is widely accepted in Europe for these problems.  It has properties that do make it useful topically for wound healing, eczema, arthritis, and rheumatism, and as a tea or gargle, it has properties that make it a likely valid remedy for colds, flu, sore throat, and laryngitis.  Tea made out of the leaves of Goldenrod (called Blue Mountain Tea) has been used by herbalists in the Appalachians for many years to relieve exhaustion and fatigue."


from Susun Weed http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Glorious-Goldenrod.htm



"Goldenrod tonics are easy to make. Harvest any goldenrod by cutting the top third of the plant in full flower on a sunny fall day. Or, respectfully pull the entire plant, roots and all, in the late autumn or early winter. Then follow the simple directions below. Note: You can use any size jar when making a vinegar or a tincture, so long as you fill it full.
To dry flowering goldenrod: Bundle 2-3 stalks together and hang upside down in a cool, shady room until thoroughly dry. When the stalks snap crisply, store the dried herb in brown paper bags. One or two large handfuls of crushed leaves and flowers, steeped in a quart of boiling water for thirty minutes makes a tea that can be used hot, with honey, to counter allergies (especially pollen allergies), fevers, sore throats, coughs, colds and the flu; or taken cold to relieve colic in babies, and gas in adults. Dried mint and/or yarrow are tasty, and useful, additions when making goldenrod flower tea.
To dry goldenrod roots: Rinse dirt off the roots, then cut away all th estalks, leaves and dead flowers. If possible, hang your roots over a woodstove to dry; if not, place them on racks and put them in a warm place to dry until brittle. Store in glass jars. Depending on the difficulty you are addressing, goldenrod root tea may be made with large or small amounts of the roots brewed or decocted in boiling water. Or the roots may be powdered, alone or mixed with flowers, and applied to hard-to-heal wounds and sore joints.
To make a goldenrod vinegar: Chop the goldenrod coarsely, filling a jar with chopped flowers, leaves, stalks (and roots if you have them); then fill the jar to the top with room-temperature, pasteurized, apple cider vinegar. Cap it tightly with a plastic lid. (Metal lids will be eroded by the action of the vinegar. If you must use one, protect it with several layers of plastic between it and the vinegar.) Be sure to label your vinegar with the date and contents. Your goldenrod vinegar will be ready to use in six weeks to improve mineral balance, help prevent kidney stones, eliminate flatulance, and improve immune functioning.
To make a goldenrod tincture: Chop the goldenrod coarsely, filling a jar with chopped flowers, leaves, stalks (and roots if you have them); then add 100 proof vodka, filling the jar to the very top. Cap tightly and label. Your goldenrod tincture will be ready to use in six weeks, by the dropperful, as an anti-inflammatory, a sweat-inducing cold cure, and an astringent digestive aid. Medical herbalists use large doses (up to 4 dropperfuls at a time) of goldenrod tincture several times daily to treat kidney problems -- including nephritis, hemorrhage, kidney stones, and inability to void -- and prostate problems, including frequent urination.
The colonists called goldenrod tea "Liberty Tea," for they drank it instead of black tea after the Boston Tea Party. In fact, Liberty Tea proved so popular, it was exported to China! Let goldenrod liberate you, too. Herbal medicine is people's medicine, a gift from Mama Earth to us."