I am so deeply grateful for the deep magic, purpose & ritual the plants weave into our lives.
To connect to plants in different seasons creates the most beautiful seasonal rhythm that serve as such an anchor for us, and connect us so deeply to the sacred and to the everyday magic.
Every season I find myself drawn and called to different plants - this is always so deeply on purpose, they really show themselves exactly when we need.
Goldenrod is quite common and is often found blooming in Mid August into Fall. Goldenrod can be found in most areas of north America as well as in most places in Europe. These are both a different species however the same medicinal qualities.
I wanted to share some of medicine & magic of this beautiful medicine and how it can be really wonderful to have this in our home apothecary.
You can find Goldenrod growing often times along the road side - however when we are harvesting for medicine ofcourse we want to harvest quite a ways away from a road. We found so much goldenrod in a beautiful meadow this year. This plant is very abundant and usually blooming between mid/late August until end of September.
My daughter wanted to pick Goldenrod this year and she wrapped them into little bouquets with twine so we could hang them around our home for protection. We want to make some beautiful wreaths too! I love how she innately already knows goldenrod is used to adorn homes for protection!
Goldenrod is also used as a natural dye. The history and magic of Goldenrod is so magic - it can be so felt simply by watching them glisten in the sunshine or watching them sway and dance in those early autumn winds.
Goldenrod has many names including woundwort. Goldenrod has been known to heal wounds, and treat infections. To me this deeply also feels like Goldenrod also supports us in healing our wounds on the emotional level
I could say so much about this beautiful medicine. The plants are truly the deepest magic and are so so eager to help us. Simply by being in their presence their frequency enters our field and has a profound effect on us.
GOLDENROD - "Solidago"
MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Goldenrod is used to attract prosperity. It is believed that where there are big patches of Goldenrod growing that a underground water source is near. Used to protect our homes and ward of negative energy, goldenrod is known to aid us in giving us courage. Adorning our homes with bouquets or wreaths of dried goldenrod to weave protection, attract prosperity, and call in our desires. Using Goldenrod in spells & adding into smoke wands. We love to lie bunches of Goldenrod on our altars as well.
MEDICINAL USES:
Actions: Astringent, carminative, diuretic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, analgesic, anti spasmodic, vulnerary (wound healing), anti inflammatory - goldenrod has anti inflammatory action because it is so effective at moving fluids)
Energetics: warm, dry, aromatic
Affinity: Kidneys, urinary tract, Respiratory system, skin, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, gums and teeth.
Goldenrod is such a special herb because it can be very effective for damp, stuck, cold, depressed and lax tissue states. Where the dampness of mucus needs help moving out of the body. It will also support toning the tissues so they are functioning optimally. With it's anti microbial properties it can be a really supportive fit during infections. Goldenrod can be deeply supportive for allergies. Also wonderful support for edema. Goldenrod can be deeply deeply magic for people in need of kidney support/adrenals especially after experiencing burn out or on the edge of burnt out. If this is the right fit in this situation Goldenrod can deeply support us on our journey to restore our vitality (energetically & physically. As always - it is deeply important to listen to our intuition always.
Goldenrod can be made into a tea, salve, tincture, Oxymel. I like to have some dried on hand for wound care as well !
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
Fresh Goldenrod (leaves & blooms)
Brandy
Unpasteurized Honey
Sterilized mason jar - size of choice
Method:
Prepare for a harvesting adventure - if you of Goldenrod growing near you.
Sit with the plants if you are able, always asking for permission. Taking some time to be with the plants. Listening if they have anything to share with you.
Gathering the amount you wish to use for your medicine, perhaps some for bouquets and for tea or salves to dry as well.
Setting up your space to prepare medicine, lighting a candle, saying a prayer, thanking the medicine.
Removing the leaves and blooms from the stems, you can chop these up if you like to cover more surface area - but also not required.
Filling your jar and stuffing your medicine down.
Filling about 3/4 full of brandy and topping with honey.
Close jar, shake well. Label
Place in cool dark place for 4-6 weeks (shake as often as you like and remember)
Strain, and pour into into glass dropper bottles with a funnel and label. Store in a cool dark place.