by Carol Little R.H.
Goldenrod is a fantastic herb to know about. I always have Goldenrod medicine in my cupboard.
This prolific herb which spills over the landscape in southern Ontario in late August and September. After many inquiries, I am writing today to share how to make Goldenrod Tea plus some ideas for WHY you will want to know all about it!
We use the top flowering tops of the plant, probably I would say, the top ⅓ of the flowering stalk. Plan to harvest the plant when some of the flowers are open but not all. This is known as "the beginning of the flowering period" which creates a medicine with a wider range of healing qualities.
Check out this post all about Goldenrod and you'll see what I mean when I say this is a fantastic herb to know and learn about!
When you pick the flowering stalk, plan to dry some Goldenrod to enjoy tea throughout the coming fall & winter. Hang up a bunch in a cool, dry spot. When the leaves are 'crispy', the plant material is dry.
Store it in a large jar in a dark cupboard. I don't finely chop as I like to keep the leaves & flowers as whole as much as possible so that the healing elements are 'intact'.
How to make Glorious Goldenrod Tea:
Chop the leaves and flowers.
Place 2 tablespoon fresh Goldenrod (or 1 tablespoon of dried Goldenrod) in a cup *
Add freshly boiled water
Steep, covered for 20 minutes.
Drink warm or at room temperature, whatever you prefer.
* I make in a cup with a lid sometimes for a quick sip but also like to make herbal tea in a canning jar with lid or in a Bodum French press
Note:
For therapeutic effects, take 3 cups per day. Drink up to 5 cups per day in 'acute' situations.
Here's to our health ~ I hope you'll make this easy tea and enjoy often.
with green wishes, Carol xo
« Easy Herbal Iced Tea Recipes
15 top Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices »
Reader Interactions
Comments
lynn
I think I have only been able to enjoy this herb once. I don't believe i've seen it in my area either. Now I have that many more reasons to include it in my diet and plant it everywhere!!
Reply
Carol Little
Where are you located? Goldenrod grows abundantly in many regions.
Christina
I have missed the season. It's now winter. Can I still harvest and benefit from it or do I need to wait until summer?
Reply
Carol Little
HI Christina,
Honestly, each plant in our green world has a 'season' and it's best to harvest at the 'peak' or beginning of the flowering period. You may be able to purchase some dried goldenrod to make for tea.
There may be a good source in your area. Where are you located?Reply
Denise
Thank you for this article. We live where there is an abundance of golden rod. I’m looking forward to trying this tea recipe.
Reply
Carol Little
Great news! You are most welcome. Harvest away from roads, for best medicine.Enjoy!
Reply
Mia
I am so nervous about harvesting this due to all the mosquito control spraying they do down here in Louisiana. How far from the roads do you need to go to be far enough that the goldenrod or whatever you’re harvesting is safe from pesticides/herbicides? I have the same concern about elderberry. It’s a little hard down here to go too far off the “beaten path” due to the wildlife yiu can encounter.
Reply
Tanae
I stumbled across some goldenrod while foraging for elderberries this year, and didn’t know what I could use it for! It looks like it will be a useful herb for me, and I love tea so this is perfect :)
Reply
Carol Little
Such an amazing herb. This tea is delightful!
Reply
Jo-Anne Lingard
Loving the posts here. I never knew Goldenrod could be used for tea! Another way to enjoy a great cuppa!
Reply
Cindy Hatcher
As solidago is one of the number one allergens in our area, I add some to whatever blend I am brewing at the time. I understand that doing so may alter its effects somewhat, but I have had success using this method. Our youngest daughter used to suffer from September through June, until I began having her drink tea with this herb. Do you use it in any specific blends?
Reply
Carol Little
It's normally NOT an allergen -- but often neighbouring ragweed as I mention in this post.
It is a great idea to add a little of an allergen.. and we make ragweed tincture for this reason as part of anti-allergy treatment. Since we use Goldenrod as an autumn anti-allergen.. that's maybe why she felt a benefit?Reply
Megan Stevens
What a beautiful plant and photos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Carol. It's one I haven't used.
Reply
Kelly
There's nothing better than a soothing, delicious cup of tea! This is the best because it's healing!
Reply
ChihYu
Ah this is so timely! Thank you for this delicious and soothing tea recipe!
Reply
Raia
What would you say to someone who struggles with an intolerance to goldenrod, what should I use instead?
Reply
Carol Little
Hi Raia.
Do you truly have an intolerance? If so.. do you have difficulty with chamomile as well? That is often the case.
Folks often have issues with hay fever type of ailment.. and that is ragweed in nature..So..if you truly have an intolerance, leave it and use other herbs.
When you ask.. what should I use instead.. my question then is.. what do you want to achieve or treat?
Is it allergies in general? Is it a UTI? If you can help me with those answers, I can direct you..
green wishes, CarolReply
linda spiker
Sounds delicious Carol. Can't wait to try it!
Reply
