Habitat and cultivation The goldenrod is native to Europe and the Asia mainland. However, populations of naturalized goldenrod can be found on the North American continent. The goldenrod herb tends to grow on open areas and along hillsides and mountain ranges. The harvest is done when the plant is in flower during the summer months. The goldenrod is a very easy plant to grow. This herb can easily grow with great success on any moderately fertile, moisture rich and retentive soils. The plant grows well in sites that have good exposure to sunlight as well as in semi-shaded sites. The optimal growth rate of goldenrod is observed in plants grown in heavy clay soils. The goldenrod is a hardy and persistent herb. It can be said to be a greedy plant and can quickly use up all the soil nutrients at the site it is growing on. The smell of wild carrots comes from the bruised parts of the plant. A sub-species of the goldenrod called S. virgaurea minuta grows to only ten cm tall and has a similar width. Goldenrod plants tend to attract a lot of beneficial insect species including beetles like ladybirds, lacewings as well as hoverflies when grown in the garden. Since these insects feed on other insects they help control insect pests inside the garden as a whole and benefit all plants in the area. The goldenrod herb is propagated using the seeds stored from previous harvest. These seeds are sown during the spring on a cold frame. The compost inside the seedbed must not be allowed to become dry and the seeds must be lightly covered with soil in the seed bed. When the seedlings emerge and become large enough to handle by hand, each of them must be pricked out into individual pots and grown in the pots for the first winter. In the spring or early summer, these potted plants can then be transplanted out into their permanent positions. The goldenrod undergoes division during the spring or in the fall. The larger divisions may be transplanted direct into the permanent sites. The smaller divisions are best grown on pots for some more time in a lightly shaded site on a cold frame. Once they turn large and are well rooted, they can be transplanted in the summer to their permanent site. Constituents Goldenrod contains saponins, essential oil, bitter principle, tannins, flavonoids. Usual dosage Herbal infusion: the infusion made from the goldenrod can be prepared by steeping two to three teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water. The herb can be left to infuse into the water for ten to fifteen minutes and then strained. A single dose of this herbal infusion can be drunk thrice daily as a treatment for a variety of disorders. Herbal tincture: this form of the remedy can be taken at doses of two to four ml thrice every day for different kinds of disorders. Applications The goldenrod herb is also taken as a decoction or in an herbal tea. A remedy made from the flowery tops of the goldenrod is often suggested for treating many seasonal allergies affecting the pulmonary mucous membranes, as well as for the treatment of chronic intestinal problems. This remedy can be prepared by using one teaspoonful (3 g) of the dried herb and steeping it in cup - 250 ml - of boiling water. The remedy for the treatment of ulcerous colitis is prepared by steeping one whole average sized rootless plant in two cups - or 500 ml - of boiled water. The same remedy has also been discovered to be effective against pathogenic yeasts and is believed to be an herbal fungicide. The goldenrod herb is also taken in the form of an herbal decoction in certain cases; this is prepared by using four teaspoonfuls (12 g) of the herb and steeping it in four cups (1 liter) of boiling water. A liter or four cups of decoction can be taken daily as treatment. The same decoction can be used to treat water retention problems and uremia in affected individuals. Immuno-stimulating potion •3/4oz (20 g) fresh goldenrod flowers (dried: 10g) •1/3 oz (10 g) fresh dandelion root (dried: 5 g) •1/3 oz (10 g) wild thyme leaves •4 cups (1 liter) water Boil the plants in the water for 3minutes. Infuse 10 minutes. Strain. Drink hot or cold during the day, between meals. Diuretic and disinfecting cure of the mucous membranes and major organs:7 to 15 days. It is recommended for those suffering from allergies, constipation, colitis and chronic pulmonary or kidney disease. Comments From Harry - Feb-02-2013We harvested blue mountain tea (early 40s) in a mountainous area near Reading, PA. We would strip the leaves from the stem, dry them, and make tea. It had a very pleasant lightly minted/ lavender flavor. I dont recall that we used it for medicinal purposes---it just tasted good.From Susan - Dec-31-2011I didnt know the medicinal value but I was taught by my Mother to cook the goldenrod leaves and eat them in wild greens like Polk salad. They make the Polk salad even better.From Dee - 2010Ive used goldenrod powder on occasion for several years. It works! I use one-half to one-teaspoon every day for two weeks, and just drink it back with a glass of water.From Nana Shirl - 2010Goldenrod is also very good for treating any upper respiratory infections. Take 3-5 ml tincture with 20 ml boiling water. Allow to cool enough to drink. Take 3 times daily for 5-7 days. Goldenrod helps clear the chest and gives relief from that tightness in the chest.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 20:31:42 +0000
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