Herbal Focus: GoldenrodSolidago spp.

The Sunny Bloom That’s A Medicinal Wonder

Goldenrod is so much more than a splash of sunshine in late-summer meadows — it’s a versatile wild flower with a long history of medicinal and culinary use. Often mistaken for the culprit behind seasonal allergies (spoiler alert: it’s usually ragweed’s fault), goldenrod is actually a powerful plant ally that’s beneficial for the respiratory system, joints, and more. Found in open fields, prairies, and alongside trails across much of the world, this bright yellow flower offers a range of uses if you know how to identify, harvest, and prepare it safely. In this post, we’ll explore everything from proper identification to harvesting and utilizing its health-promoting properties.

Basic Identification

Growing between 2 to 5 feet (0.6 meters to 1.5 meters) tall, goldenrod has large sprays of yellow flower clusters with alternating, simple, toothed leaves. Depending on the species (there are approximately 100 varieties), the leaves can be either smooth or hairy. One defining feature of the plant is its salty, balsam-like fragrance when the leaves are crushed.

Toxic Look-Alikes: Goldenrod has many look-alikes — some of which are deadly. Groundsel, life root, staggerweed, and ragwort are regional names for dangerous look-alike plants in the Senecio genus. Ragwort and groundsels usually have fewer and smaller flower heads and bloom earlier in the season. If you are unsure about identification, use a local field guide or work with an expert in local flora.

Where Does It Grow?

Goldenrod grows in open areas like meadows, prairies, and savannas in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. You can often find it along trailsides.

Harvesting

Select healthy flowers and leaves that are free of powdery mildew or other signs of disease. Flowers can be harvested in late summer and early autumn just as they begin to open. Make sure to leave some flowers on the plant to ensure future crops. Pick leaves throughout the spring and summer. Roots can be collected in the early spring or autumn. Hang the plants to dry or use a dehydrator on the lowest setting to remove all moisture for long-term storage.

Edible Uses

The flowers are edible and can be tossed into a salad or lightly fried. They can also be used as a flavoring for fermented homemade soda or alcoholic beverages such as cordials and mead. Leaves can be sautéed and eaten like spinach.

Recipe. Goldenrod Decoction: 1-ounce goldenrod herb (leaves or flowers), 1-pint (500ml) of water. Place the herbs in a non-reactive pot with the water over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the temperature down to a low simmer for 20 minutes. Cool the decoction and strain out the herbs. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per dose, 3 times a day.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves and flowers have many medicinal uses and can be made into a tea or tincture. The roots can also be used. For children, infuse goldenrod in raw honey or make it into a syrup. Do not give honey to infants under one year old due to the presence of Clostridium bacteria that can cause infant botulism.

Here are my top 3 uses for goldenrod:

Allergies, Colds, Lung Congestion. An excellent remedy for seasonal allergies and colds, goldenrod contains two natural antihistamines: quercetin and rutin. It is antiseptic, expectorant, and helps to soothe sore throats. Goldenrod helps to flush out respiratory congestion, similar to the Yerba Santa herb.

Joint Pain and Inflammation. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, goldenrod is an excellent herb for reducing pain and swelling — especially in the joints. It is helpful for gout, arthritis, and other joint complaints. Goldenrod can be taken internally or applied topically as a poultice to relieve pain and inflammation. See also our Stinging Nettle Tincture in the apothecary.

Anti-fungal, Yeast Infections. An outstanding anti-fungal, goldenrod is effective against yeast infections such as Candida. You can drink it as a tea or take the decoction daily. The powdered herb can be used for external infections. A gargle made with this herb is helpful for oral thrush. Usnea Tincture Spray is also effective for thrush.

But that’s not all. In my book, The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine, I’ve compiled over 13 medicinal uses for goldenrod. The book includes detailed harvesting advice for this herb and many other easy-to-find plants. What’s more, it shows you how to make tinctures, decoctions, salves, poultices, and more right in your own home. Nature truly does provide!

Safety

Goldenrod is a diuretic and can be overly drying when used long-term as a daily beverage or tea. Do not use goldenrod during pregnancy or when nursing. Consult your doctor if you have a chronic kidney disorder. Do not use goldenrod if you are allergic to any members of the Asteraceae family.

Nicole Apelian

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