Grown organically at KoruKai Herb Farm, New Zealand. Free of pesticides, herbicides and other agrochemicals.
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
Goldenrod is a pretty plant in any garden, not just a herb garden. The flowers in summer are truly stunning. The flowers are extremely attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators, too.
Medicinal Uses*
Goldenrod herb has a long tradition of use. The aerial parts of goldenrod have been identified as having many beneficial properties including as an anticatarrhal, an herb which helps the body remove excess mucus. Goldenrod also contains high levels of the anti-inflammatory constituent quercitin, which, along with its astringent action, can help alleviate the symptoms of allergies like hayfever. Goldenrod is approved by the German Commission E for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It has been used on the skin to heal wounds hence its other common name of Woundwort. It has also been used as a diuretic, meaning it helps the body get rid of excess fluid. Goldenrod's saponins are specifically against Candida fungus, the cause of yeast infections and oral thrush.
Growing Conditions
Goldenrod grows well in most soils. They will thrive in just about any average garden soil with decent drainage. They grow well in heavy clay, sandy, or rocky soils. Avoid planting in overly rich soil which can lead to leggy growth. It likes to grow in full sun. It is very well suited for our hot summers and frosty winter.
Goldenrod is a perennial and will die back completely in winter. New shoots will be already in place for next spring. It is best to lift and divide the plants in July/August.
If you do not require more plants simply remove the dried plant material with secateurs and add a generous layer of compost and mulch avoiding the growing tips. It is best to not divide them in their first year, but wait for the second winter.
It grows 60-70cm tall.
Growing Instructions
This plant is shipped during its winter dormancy only. We ship them bare rooted without any leaves or stalks, but with growing buds already in place (see image below).
Once you receive the crown plant into a pot or into your garden. Dig a hole that's a little larger than the root ball, place the root ball in it, backfill with soil and firm in well. Water regularly initially to help the plant establish. Make sure the growing tip/s is/are above the soil level. Mulch heavily around the plant to retain water and mark the planting area. Protect from birds if necessary. They will emerge in October/November depending on your climate.
If planting more than one plant then space them 40-50 cm apart.
Divide crowns every few years in winter.
Plants may self seed, so if you don't want them to do this, deadhead immediately after flowering.
Harvesting for Medicine
We harvest goldenrod in the middle of summer when it is in full flower (mid January/February) at KoruKai Herb Farm. Harvest on a nice, dry and sunny day. Use secateurs to cut the aerial part of the plant leaving about 10 cm. It will regrow and you may get a second cut.
Processing and Drying
Lay the stems and leaves out in a single row on a drying tray and dry them at 37-40 degrees C out of direct light with good airflow. It dried beautifully with little effort in 1-3 days in good conditions. To process strip the leaves and flowers off the stems and store in paper bags in a dry place. They should be crunchy and fully dry before storage.
Herbal Preparation*
The leaves and flowers of goldenrod can be used in teas and tinctures for urinary tract infections, hay fever, to flush out kidney and bladder stones. It may be used as a mouthwash or douche for yeast infections.
*This information is for educational purposes only. Please do not self-treat disease using herbs alone. Always consult with a qualified and registered herbalist.
