Goldenrod
•Introduction
•Goldenrod is a plant that has a bright yellow flower that blooms mid to late summer. There are more than fifty species of Goldenrod that is native to North America and also several in other countries around the world. This plant has a look alike called ragweed which is the culprit for the seasonal allergies or hay fever that comes from pollen, and it blooms right around the same time. The pollen from Goldenrod is too big to be inhaled.
•Naturally Goldenrod is made with about 7% rubber in it. Thus the reason Goldenrod was used in the making of the tire’s in Thomas Edison’s Model T Ford though eventually the project was dropped.
•Goldenrod can be found always in a sunny spot like a meadow or edge’s of forest’s and trails, the side of the road or in your garden. It can even grow well in poor and sandy soil. The most important part is that they have to have a lot of sun to grow otherwise you won’t get as many beautiful golden blooms as you would like.
•The plant can go awhile with out water once they are established. You can water a young Goldenrod plant about once a week to maintain a damp soil but be careful not to over water because they don’t like soggy conditions. Use a well draining pot or plant in a bed to make sure they don’t sit in water for very long. After a year a adult plant will continue to thrive and not need very much water from you at all.
•Goldenrod encourages wildlife to thrive as a primary source of nectar for bees, wasp’s, moth’s and beetle’s. Even the migrating monarch butterfly enjoy’s the plant as he travels. It’s the home of the goldenrod crab spider and the goldenrod gall fly also. Rabbits and deer enjoy eating the leaves while the swamp sparrow and goldfinch like the seeds.
•The flowers,stem,roots, and leaves are edible but be careful of its look alike because the look alike is toxic. Dried flowers and leaves can be steeped for a sweet and aromatic tea or also cooked up like any other vegetable.
•Medicinal uses
•Goldenrod is often used to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation), or as a diuretic because it increases urine flow. Also helps with muscle spasms especially in the urinary tract system. Also used to treat tuberculosis, enlargement of the liver, hemorrhoids,gout, internal bleeding, asthma, arthritis, and eczema. In folk medicine it is used as a mouthwash to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat sores. It also helps reduce fevers,aid in snakebite, and helps pass stones, relieving congestion. A tincture of the flowers and leaves can be used as a wash to help prevent infection and speed up healing. It can also be used to fight yeast and fungal infections. It’s antimicrobial and full of antioxidants.
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•Native Americans used the flowers in tea for general anti-inflammatory purposes and cramps. The leaves can be chewed for sore throat or mouth sores, and the root is good for relief of a toothache.
•Magical uses
•It is believed that if you happen to find a Goldenrod plant growing near your front door you will be the recipient of all good luck and good fortune coming your way. You can put it in a vase and put it in your house to attract wealth,money,and prosperity into your life.
•Also it can be used as a dowsing rod to help you find lost items or hidden treasures by pointing the way as you visualize the item that you are looking for.
• Let dried flowers or leaves steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Make sure you let the aroma wash over you as you drink the tea as it will bring a calmness and relief from anxiety and stress.
•Conclusion
• Goldenrod is a beautiful plant with golden blooms in the middle to late summer. They make a perfect addition to any wildflower garden and it attracts bees,moths,beetles and the great Monarch butterfly. It has been used medicinally for many years. It’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, and helps conditions involving the urinary tract and reduces fevers plus treats many more ailments. Native Americans highly regarded this plant and all parts of flowers, leaves, stems, and roots are edible. They are easy to grow and maintain. They need to be in the sun to grow the best, and might be able to help you find something you’ve lost. Also they can bring good fortune, luck, wealth, prosperity, and anxiety relief to your life. Goldenrod is a all around good plant to have as a plant companion in your garden. What have you used Goldenrod rod for? Please let us know how Goldenrod has helped you in the comments below.
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