Goldenrod

Melissa Swartz

I'm interested in knowing how others are using goldenrod. I have used goldenrod and bee balm tea for sore throats and it also helped with a cough I couldn't get rid of. I've read that it is good for the kidneys. What else can it be used for?

merlin44

Good for allergies, upper respiratory type, dries up the sinuses and urinary tract infections.

Melissa Swartz

merlin44 are you using it as a tea or tincture? Or something else? I used it as a tea and it was very effective in helping me get rid of a cough last year. But I don't think it was allergy related.

merlin44

For allergies, I use it in season as a tea.

Melissa Swartz

merlin44 Thank you!

dimck421

Thank you for the information!

Obiora E

The leaves of goldrenrod are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. I ate them for the first time last year. I also made a tea that I turned into a jelly. It is/was good! I made an herbal granita and one of the ingredients was goldrenrod. It too was really good. You can also eat the leaves but I have done it yet.

It is powerful medicine and is more powerful for fighting colds and flus than Purple Coneflower from what I have read. Along with the medicinal uses that have already been mentioned. I will also include these from an article that I read last year:

Primary Properties:

Antiallergenic

Anticatarrhal

antifungal

anti-inflammatory

antiulcerogenic

aperient

astringentdepurative

diaphoretic

diuretic

expectorant

Secondary Properties:

antibacterial

antilithic

antineoplastic

antioxidant

antirheumatic

antispasmodic

appetite stimulant

bitter

carminative

cholagogue

febrifuge

hypotensive

immune stimulant

nervine

relaxant

stomachic

tranquilizer

LaurieLovesLearning

Interesting. I see it all over in the ditches right now. The problem is, just like the horsetail there too, it is so very sprayed that I can't use it. I will have to talk to some local organic farmers to see what they might have on their properties.

Melissa Swartz

Obiora E  I love the idea of the jelly! That's a great idea!

Obiora E

@Melissa Swartz It is one of my favorite foraged jellies that I made last year. I use a homemade liquid apple pectin for my jellies and any jams that need additional pectin. I made a tea with the leaves, stem, and flowers. I let the tea steep overnight.

Melissa Swartz

Obiora E  I'm definitely going to make the jelly. How do you make your homemade pectin?

Obiora E

@Melissa Swartz I quarter small Granny Smith Apples (crab apples and other tart apples will work) and put them into a pot. I then cover with enough Spring Water to cover them and then cook them (stirring occasionally) until they are tender. I then strain the liquid over night into a bowl. The next day I cook down the strained liquid by half.

At this point you can either use the liquid pectin, can it, or freeze it. I sometimes use it and then freeze whatever I don't use. For more information along with ratios for doing jams and jellies, check out:

https://www.mountainfeed.com/blogs/learn/37065729-make-your-own-pectin-for-jams-jellies-homemade-apple-pectin-recipe

StacyLou

Goldenrod also works great for aches and pains. I made an oil with it for the first time last year. I’m going to do the same this year and also make a tincture.

blevinandwomba

I'm going to have to try the tea. I have plenty of golden rod, and plenty of sinus issues.

Melissa Swartz

Obiora E thanks for the pectin info! Great stuff!

StacyLou  I've read that goldenrod is good for pain; I think that's what first got me interested in it. I need to use it for that!

blevinandwomba I made a tea that was equal parts bee balm, goldenrod, and mullein. It really helped me kick a cough that kept coming back; I should have used that tea in the beginning.

Obiora E

@Melissa Swartz You are very welcome.