Goldenrod

History

Goldenrod is a genus of 100-120 flower plants in the Asteraceae family that are native to North America with a few species originating from South America and Europe and Asia. Goldenrod blooms from late July to September in prairies, meadow, marshes. It is an abundant part of the landscape in North America due to its strong root system and prolific spreading nature. They grow where other plants may not be able to and especially love the sun and dry areas. The plant has simple stem that is usually three to five feet high with leaves that are one to four inches long. Goldenrod rises above the plants it mingles with, confidently displaying its golden tresses atop its long, slender spine. To me goldenrod is autumn’s glory. Every autumn I feel empowered by the golden vibrance and warmth that this plant exudes. I always try to pick some to take into my home because just its presence is empowering to me. I feel myself stand tall and confident in my own skin when I have the plant in my home as well as when using the flower essence. According the Flower Essence Repertory, goldenrod helps individuals to have a strong sense of their own individuality and helps them to break free from the need to remain overly subject to social mores. I see this in the tall and confident stature goldenrod keeps among its fellow plant companions – glowing, graceful, and yet gentle. Goldenrod has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Native Americans used the plant for many applications. They made an infusion of flowers and leaves as a remedy for fevers and chest pain. Cherokee prepared a tea as a febrifuge and also used it for kidney and bladder issues. They also used it as an infusion for nasal congestion and the root was chewed to relieve the pain from a sore throat. The roots were also used on boils which would have employed its use a vulnerary in helping to heal tissue. In the middle ages, goldenrod was a primary wound remedy. It was known for effectively bringing the edges of a wound together. During the colonial days in America the colonists used goldenrod as a replacement for the tea that they had thrown into the Boston Harbor. As a tea it has a pleasantly mild and slightly astringent taste. Both Native Americans and colonists prized the goldenrod flowers as a dye for its beautiful gold, yellow and green hues.Goldenrod gets the blame for many allergies experienced in late summer and early autumn. However, the pollen produced by goldenrod is too heavy to be carried by the wind and instead it is pollenated by bees. Ragweed is the most likely culprit for the allergies during the time that goldenrod is in bloom.