Goldenrod is always there when you need it

I woke up the other morning with thick, watery, itchy eyes, a lump in my throat and a heavy feeling. I had one of those WOW moments. These were obviously allergies symptoms, which have thankfully become strangers to my body. Although, I could remember when we were close roommates for years, they have become just a memory since I met Goldenrod (Solidago, spp.) who turned my life around. I have not felt this way in such a long time.

There was a time when I couldn’t get a handle on my allergy symptoms; I was a mess.  I took and tried everything, I used the neti pot, took Claritin, Nasacort, Allegena (homeopathic tincture for pollen allergies) and Benadryl (I’m one of those weird people that Benadryl actually keeps up), all at once.  Nothing seemed to give me relief; my symptoms were barely under control. I walked around in a fog, barely functioning. It seemed like I was allergic to everything that emerged from spring through autumn.

I tried Goldenrod tincture along with a boatload of synthetic allergy medicines, but it did nothing. Nevertheless, one day, something told me to take Goldenrod without anything else and it made such a huge difference. Always go with your instincts folks.  I felt human again and have been that way ever since. That was almost a decade ago. At first, I was taking Goldenrod tincture several times a day to ameliorate my allergy symptoms, but over the years I’ve been able to titrate down. I believe using the least amount necessary is always best. There is no reason to take more than you need. This year, I have barely taken it at all, perhaps a couple times a month, if that. Some people ask me if Goldenrod cures allergies, I still do not have a clear answer, but it certainly strengthens the body so it can deal with them better.

Of course, I went into my apothecary, took some Goldenrod, and felt human again. It works best with symptoms of red, inflamed eyes, postnasal drip, allergy induced nose running, sinus headaches, general congestion in sinus and upper respiratory and asthma. It is important to keep in mind that Goldenrod works in concert with the body’s natural immune system. Most synthetic allergy medicine alters our immune responses, so Goldenrod becomes ineffective when taking with synthetic allergy medicine.

So how does Goldenrod work?

  • It is a mast cell stabilizer; it prevents mast cells from releasing the substances that cause inflammation, therefore mediating inflammatory responses.
  • It’s astringent, so it tightens tissues and tones them.
  • It’s anti-inflammatory, which helps soothe the irritations caused by the allergens.
  • It’s anti-catarrh, helping the body remove excess mucus from the sinuses or other parts of the body.
  • It also restores the cellular integrity of all the mucous membranes.

Although I no longer need Goldenrod daily, I am so glad it’s always there when I do. How are your allergies? Have you thought about trying some Goldenrod, believe me, you won’t be sorry.

If you are interested in learning more about Goldenrod, come by the Trumansburg Farmers’ Market. I’m there every Wednesday, May through October 4-7pm. I would love to share all the amazing attributes of our Golden Goddess.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

Preparing for allergy season

Stinging Nettle infusion and dried

Wintertime is travel time for our family. By the end of February, after much travel, we start to get back into our normal routine. Part of our routine is drinking a quart of Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) infusion daily to prepare our bodies for allergy season. Nettles nourishes your body all year long, but when taken daily for a couple of months before allergy season, it nourishes the body in a way that helps it deal when faced with allergens.  Nettles are a natural source of quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid that supports the body’s response to allergens and inhibits histamine release (the substance produced in the body that causes sneezing, itching, and respiratory issues). An allergen is a substance such as pollen that may provoke an exaggerated immune response in individuals who are sensitive to it. Through this potential action, nettles help to reduce allergy symptoms. It also contains natural antihistamines that help to open nasal passages and ease allergy symptoms.

During spring and throughout late summer, I pick fresh Nettles for my infusions and recipes. Fresh Nettles can be used in any recipe that you would use spinach. Nevertheless, I also dry them during this time in preparation for allergy season. I have found it to be most effective when I drink a quart of infusion daily for at least two months before the pollen flies. It strengthens and supports my body, so allergens don’t hit me like a ton of lead. For any stray allergy symptom, there is always Goldenrod (Solidago, spp.) to the rescue.

If you did not happen to dry any Nettles last year, you can purchase them in the bulk section of a health food store or co-op. Don’t waste your time on tea bags, as you need more Nettles than that. Use about an ounce of dry herbs per quart jar, pour boiling water over it and let it steep at least four hours. I like to make it the night before and drink it throughout the following day. It will produce a beautiful rich deep green color, which will nourish and support the entire body, particularly the endocrine, immune, urinary, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

Do your body a favor and start drinking Nettle infusions every day.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.