Over the past few years, I have become more aware of the availability of food, water and other resources in my area and how I can use them for good.
One of those resources is Essential Oils for medicinal purposes. Let's face it the world is in turmoil and how can I get food, other supplies and doctor's help for emergencies if we have a major catastrophe. I certainly can't depend on government and other emergency agencies--as much as they do try to help-- because of the time factor and availability.
Reading about what was happening in the New York/New Jersey area and learning from my own personal experience on the gulf coast during Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, agencies who try to help are sometimes impeded because of availability and travel.
So it is up to us to take care of ourselves as much as possible in all areas of living. This journey has been both informative and fascinating. One area I was led to learn about was wild plants in our area which can be used for medicinal and eating purpose.
One of those is Goldenrod. This plant grows profusely every where in the area in which I live.
Goldenrods are very
common wildflowers throughout Virginia and North America. It
is difficult to describe only one, because there are over 50
species of Goldenrod in North America and most of them are
very similar and hard to tell apart.
All Goldenrods are late
bloomers, flowering in late Summer into the Fall. Most
species have spectacular displays of bright yellow
flowers. (from www.fcps.edu)
With instruction from several sources, goldenrod oil can be produced and used right in your own home.
How To Make Goldenrod Oil:
First you find goldenrod plants which can be picked for your oil. The best would be away from the road as the car fumes would not make the plant pure.
Pick goldenrod plants away from the road like this one and let dry for a few days
Then you dry the plant for a few days and it looks more like this:
The oil absorbs more when the plant is dried......
Cut up into pieces and place in pint sized jars. Pint sized works the best and you don't even need a lid. Place the flowers, leaves and stems in the jars about an 2 inches down from the top so the oil won't over flow. Then pour extra virgin oil or castor oil in the jar to cover the goldenrod plant. I have only used olive oil as I have heard the horror stories of drinking castor oil. But some people use it. Then cover with cheesecloth or burlap squares and rubber band and sit in the sun for 6 weeks. It seems like 6 weeks is such a long time to wait but it's worthy every minute. After 6 weeks in the sun, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a bottle and VIOLA!!! You have goldenrod oil.
Jim and I both use goldenrod oil. I have allergies and asthma issues and he has urinary tract issues. It works wonders.... Read more about it below.
Uses
of Goldenrod Oil
Goldenrod oil is used as an antiseptic and anti
inflammatory ointment. Good for the circulatory system, a massage with
goldenrod essential oil works wonders for various aches and pains. The oil is
also good for the skin, and is effective in healing various skin conditions.
During the Boston Tea Party, the colonist drank
Goldenrod tea, which was nicknamed the “Liberty Tea.” In the past the oil was
used for treating digestive disorders, throat problems and disorders of the
nervous system. The fresh, balsamic and peppery smell of the oil is very
relaxing.
The Genus "Solidago " plant name is derived from the
Latin word “solide,” which means “to make whole.
Goldenrod oil is used for hypertension, liver congestion, hepatitis and
fatty liver, circulatory conditions, and urinary tract and bladder conditions.
Goldenrod is a little-known essential oil made from a plant that grows as a
prolific weed in areas of Canada.
The oil has a very distinctive fragrance, rather strong but not unpleasant, and
its main use is in its anti-allergy properties, for conditions like hay fever,
allergic reactions, coughs, and respiratory system infections. It is also
reputed to be a lymphatic system conditioner, a regulator of the autonomic
nervous system, and a healer of wounds, insect bites and inflammation.
Goldenrod’s most profound use tends to be directly on the muscles, healing
pulled muscles in amazing time periods with repeated application (every three
hours or so), and often soothing strained or spasm muscles with only a single
application.
The oil is used for the treatment of allergies,
sinus infections, hay fever and other related respiratory conditions. The calming and soothing effect of the oil has found use
in various aromatherapy processes for nervous disorders. It is also used for
dispelling stress related effects.
Goldenrod oil promotes the proper functioning of the
circulatory system.
If you troubled by acne and eczema try using the oil
for treating such skin conditions. It is also beneficial, when applied on
wounds and sores.
Tips for
using goldenrod oil
Medical
Properties: Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, liver stimulant
The oil should be properly diluted before using. For
best effects apply on joints or inhale through the diffuser.
It is best not to use goldenrod oil on damaged and
sensitive skin.
It is suggested that you do not use the oil on
children.
The usage of the oil should also be discontinued
during pregnancy. Conduct a patch test on your skin before applying, to eliminate
possibilities of skin irritations and allergies.
Dilute 1 part Goldenrod Oil with 1 part
Massaging Oil or other safe oil. Apply 2-4
drops on compress. Directly inhale/Diffuse or take as dietary supplement
