Goldenrod

Solidago is an omnipresent genus and goldenrod is its frequently recognized specie. It holds a rightful place among the members of the aster family (Asteraceae) and holds at least 120 species that are mostly native to the meadows, prairies, and savanna. The bright-golden yellow flower heads are host to many insects.

Goldenrod is an exceptionally adaptable group of plants that can acquire the height of 6 feet. They are labeled as humungous reproducers since they have the potential to produce 10,000 tiny seeds that are deftly spread by insects and wind. They serve as a portion of food to bees, butterflies and many other pollinating insects.   

Typically, the flower-heads of goldenrod can be seen along the roadside and are mistaken for bringing the allergies. This bright colored bloom has rather heavy and sticky pollen grains that can be carried to an extent by the wind. Mostly, the plant is pollinated by the insects.

It is readily used as an anti-inflammatory agent, diuretic, astringent, and antispasmodic. It is also used to manage skin conditions like eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Goldenrod is brimmed with tannins, saponins, and flavonoids that are contemplated to be quite efficacious in managing various diseases and help you extricate from the nuisances.

Goldenrod is judged as an invasive weed but growing it indoors or outside is a personal preference. Its beautiful blooms are the sole reason for giving them a spot in the garden to entice the audiences.

The seeds of goldenrod require moist soil and early spring before sprouting. It grows vibrantly if the soil is rich in organic matter so make sure to fertilize your soil.

The plantation can be started both indoors and outside. Initiate indoor plantation about 2 months before the last frost date. In contrast, for outdoor settings, just broadcast the seeds on moist soil spring or fall. The seeds are very thirsty for water before germination so you really need to take care of that matter.

The seeds of goldenrod take at least 2 to 3 weeks to germinate and set out sprout. The sun and air of spring transform the seeds into the seedlings. The late summer stimulates the plant to produce flowers.

Now comes the role of pollinating insects which transport the pollen grains from another flower to fertilize the egg. The fertilization is followed by fruit formation which further gets dispersed for the continuation of the lifecycle.

Summer and fall are the best times to harvest the goldenrod flowers as they are on the verge of their bloom and brimmed with their principal nutrients.

The leaves and blooms are of utmost importance and they are harvested for utilizing them for medicinal purposes. A sharp pair of shear is employed to cut the superficial parts of the plant body.

Cut the stem the plant through the stem and shred off it leaves after drying them to make its use. Furthermore, just snip off the flower-heads with scissors to employ them for other uses.

The harvested goldenrod is dried in a well-ventilated area but away from the sunlight. It is preferable to bind the stems together and suspend them upside down to speed the process. 

The best judge of dryness is the touch of your hands.

So, once your harvested stems have dried, set apart the leaves and flowers and store them in an airtight glass jar in a cool and dry place.

There are many reasons and ways to tap goldenrod into your routine. Some of the ways to make the goldenrod a beneficial part of your routine are as follows:

• Tincture -Infuse freshly chopped goldenrod flowers/leaves in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
• Tea - Dried flowers and leaves of goldenrod are boiled with water and strained to enjoy goldenrod tea. To surpass the bitterness, grab the aid of honey to sweeten it.
• Decoction - Dried flowers and leaves are simmered in water to frame a perfect decoction.
• Salve - Goldenrod infused oil is blended with melted beeswax to form goldenrod salve.
• Syrup - Add goldenrod to boiling water and simmer it until the quantity diminishes to half. Let it cool then add peppermint leaves and sugar/honey, and your syrup is ready.
• Infused oil - Dried goldenrod flowers are infused with either sweet almond or olive oil for about 3 to 4 weeks in a sunlit region to form an infused oil.

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