Did you know that Goldenrod (Solidago) is more than just a beautiful wildflower? This vibrant yellow plant is packed with health benefits and has a long history of use in herbal medicine.

Here are just some of the traditional uses from the literature:

🌱Used as an expectorant to help break up and expel mucous during upper respiratory infections; can also help soothe coughs and sore throats.
🌱 Used for kidney issues, urinary tract infections, is said to help dissolve kidney stones and gallstones; has diuretic properties.
🌱 Used in wound care to help promote wound healing.
🌱 Goldenrod tinctures have been used to help desensitize people to seasonal allergies like ragweed.
🌱 Goldenrod is said to be very high in many antioxidants.

The most common ways to use goldenrod are by tincture or making a tea with it. It's also great infused in oil and used in a healing salve.

How to Identify Goldenrod
There are many different species of goldenrod that have small differences among them, depending on where you live. Definitely invest in a good field guide when you are foraging for wild food or medicine to ensure correct identification!

• Color: Look for bright yellow flowers arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.
• Leaves: The leaves are long, narrow, and slightly toothed, alternating along the stem.
• Height: Goldenrod typically grows 2-5 feet tall, thriving in sunny, open spaces and disturbed areas.
• Season: It blooms in late summer to early fall, bringing a splash of gold to fields and roadsides.

Like any herbal medicine, please do your own research and consult with your health practitioner before taking anything new. Goldenrod is not recommended for those with heart or kidney conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also those with latex allergies may also be allergic to goldenrod!

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