09/20/2025
Hey! Time to harvest Goldenrod in zone 6-7.
Goldenrod uses (powerhouse plant)
#1 never harvest more than 1/3 of available plants as Goldenrod is one of the last plants that pollinators can forage before going into winter.
#2 harvest the plant when flowers are still 70% closed. The pollen you want is inside of the closed flowers and gathering at this stage will prevent you from using overaged plant material.
#3 if your trying a new herb, always test it before going all in. There's a bunch of how-to info out there for specifics.
Fungal infections: Candida, possible causes for sinusitis, bladder infections, UTIs, mouth sores, etc. Goldenrod balances microbiome and cleans up the ecosystem inside your body.
Excellent for sinus infections! Steam in a pot, pull the pot off the burner. Put your face in the steam with a towel over your head and the pot. Breathe trough your nose and repeat 2-3 times a day.
It's an astringent, so it'll tighten and tone mucus membranes to slow down secretions. It's helpful for internal bleeding, IBS, hemorrhoids, and feminine issues. It tightens and tones skin too if you want to make a face mask, body wash, compress, etc.
As a poultice:
Good for treating minor wounds and burns. It's anti-microbial.
As a tincture:
Strengthens mucus membranes. Reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain. Use the tincture to make mouthwash if you have an infection or sores. Used with a nebulizer, it's a good expectorant, but mullein does a better job of clearing out lungs.
Infused caster oil/salves/balms:
Helps with acute injuries like sprains, tendinitis, arthritis, joint pain, sore muscles, gout, and skin conditions. Increases flexibility by relaxing tight muscles and tendons.
Infused honey:
Helps with allergies (including cat dander), colds, and sore throats. Stirred into hot water makes instant tea, or you can save the leaves from the bottom of the plant to make tea. Personally, i do both.
As a tea:
Goldenrod has been used for centuries for the above benefits + it's very well known for urinary tract issues. It stimulates kidney and bladder function and will flush you out. So, UTI, kidney stones, bladder/kidney infections, etc. Add birch and cranberry to significantly reduce microbial problems associated with inflamed urinary catheters. Increase steeping time for medicinal use and drink luke-warm or cold for urinary tract issues.
High in antioxidants (quercetin) and great for cardiovascular health. It has 7x these properties compared to Green Tea. Goldenrod helps with chronic inflammation, which is, responsible for many of our health problems; including type 2 diabetes/dementia. It is an anti-inflammatory for your entire body.