Nature Walk: Goldenrod

Welcome to the Nature Walk blog series where commonly found medicinal herbs are briefly highlighted. Each featured plant is selected based on the Woven in Nature Healing Traditions team's outdoor walks. Today we are highlighting Goldenrod.

Goldenrod has become one of my absolute favorite herbs. Not only for its eye-catching radiance, but for its medicinal qualities as well. Goldenrod is prevalent and easy to find throughout the United States, and is known to signify the arrival of Autumn.

With the turn of the season, this plant is ideal for use during the cold and flu season. Goldenrod is a powerful anti-inflammatory and immune system defense aide that helps those feeling under the weather bounce back from their symptoms. Medicinally, Goldenrod possesses exceptional allergy and sinus relief qualities.  As a tea, it pairs well with Buckwheat Honey to ward off the effects of sinusitis and seasonal allergies.  Buckwheat Honey is made by bees that are co-located in Buckwheat fields, rendering high antioxidant qualities and is known to combat coughs. Keep in mind that any high-quality Honey, such as Manuka, Tupelo (lower fructose), or a Local raw version are great options; however, this particular pairing is recommended.

When the tall spurs of Goldenrod are visibly gracing the fields, the cooler weather is emerging, and the seeds for next Fall begin production.  The above ground parts of Goldenrod are normally the portions that are used medicinally.  When preparing, the highest potency is available when the herb is dried (concentrated), however when in a pinch, fresh herbs can be used as well. With either option, cleanse the plant thoroughly.  Serving as a warm Tea, is a favorite method of use. Like many of our natural herbs, Goldenrod is versatile. In fact, it can be combined with other herbs to combat urinary tract infection. When prepared as a salve, Goldenrod serves as a beneficial emollient for the skin. It can be used for wound healing or skin dermatitis or inflammation issues.

Harvesting Goldenrod is fairly simple due to its length (easily 4-6 feet tall when mature), but it does tend to grow in grassy and moist areas. Before venturing out on your own, please be cognizant of snakes or other wildlife that may be in the area, and as always, avoid spots where road debris tends to run off into the soil or where chemical spraying occurs.  Goldenrod also has a look-alike, Ragweed, which has a totally different effect. Please consult your plant field guide or reference material if unsure.  However, if you do not want to take the risk, Woven in Nature Healing Traditions does offer Goldenrod seasonally.  It has become a staple in my home and I hope you’ll discover the same benefits in yours as well.