Herbal Profile: Goldenrod

The golden yellow of the Goldenrod (Solidao spp.) is one of my favorite late summer/early fall harbingers. Goldenrod is a wild growing flower often found in fields, meadows and hedgerows. The golden rays of summer sun are uniquely captured in the disc and ray florets of this beautiful wild plant.

Plant Identification Basics: Proper identification of Goldenrod is vital, there are DEADLY poisonous plants in the Aster family that can be mistaken for Goldenrod. Using a local field guide and being 150% sure of your identification is the difference between life and death. Goldenrod has simple,alternate leaves. The leaves are toothed and can be both hairy and smooth.

Goldenrod has disc and ray florets that are yellow in color. Goldenrod typically grows 2-5 feet in height. Again, please consult a local field guide, rule out any poisonous look-alikes and be sure of your identification before harvesting.

Culinary Uses: The flowers of Goldenrod are common ingredients in teas. The flowers are also used in salads and can lightly fried. The flavoring has also been used in alcoholic beverages. The leaves can be added to salads and dishes in place of spinach. As in most cases when we are discussing wild greens, Goldenrod greens are more nutrient dense than cultivated greens.

Household Uses: Goldenrod is a beautiful and special flower in that you can harvest and dry it to create beautiful dry floral arraignments and wreaths. Dried Goldenrod maintains it’s beauty and shape letting you carry some of summers magic into cooler months. The beautiful color of goldenrod has also been used as a natural dye for centuries.

Medicinal Uses: The first thing that comes to mind for me when I see Goldenrod is Urinary Tract and Kidney healing. I suffered from multiple kidney stones last year and Goldenrod was one of the keys to my recovery. However, Goldenrod’s healing properties do not stop there. Goldenrod has long been used to treat seasonal allergies, colds, diarrhea, and congestion. Goldenrod has also been shown to treat fungal infections and boost the cardiovascular system. Goldenrod is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, a diuretic, anti-fungal, astringent, and antiseptic. Indigenous cultures have long used Goldenrod as a wash and poultice to care for wounds, burns, and other skin irritations. Dried and powdered Goldenrod is a great ingredient in a first aid kit as it can stop bleeding when applied to a wound.

Magickal Uses: Goldenrod has long been used in connection with divination work, connected to spirits of Air this feminine plant is deeply connected to Venus. Lore holds if you wish to see your loved one, wearing a piece of Goldenrod will call them to you.

The ancients would use Goldenrod to divine where lost objects or buried treasure may be located. Following where the flowers nod will lead you to the treasure you seek. The closer Goldenrod grows to your house the closer good fortune is to raining down on your family.

Due to the connection throughout the ages to good fortune and buried treasure, many practitioners use Goldenrod in money spells. Goldenrod is also a beautiful and sunny herb to use as a smoke purification.

Be sure you check back for our next Herbal Profile. Get out there, get wild, be safe, and spend some time connecting with Goldenrod this month!