09/15/2024
What, in nature, shifts your mindset to fall harvest preparation?
• For me, it’s Goldenrod. The exciting burst of these radiant ☀️ flowers as the stalks stand tall above others. In my opinion, Lughnasadh (Lammas), at the beginning of August is what gets my body into gear, preparing medicine for the darkest part of the year. Coincidentally enough, the timing of Lughnasadh is when Goldenrod flourishes. This year Goldenrod has been calling out to me spiritually, drawing me in to work with her and learn more about how she can assist with our hibernation preparation. And I’ve listened.
• As I walk or drive, I notice the bright yellow flowers beaming tall and proud everywhere. I feel the connection immediately upon my physical harvest of her gifts. I bask in the autumnal aroma of her flowers and soft caress of her leaves as I clean and tie her stalks together and hang to dry in my apothecary.
• She is often mistaken for the irritation of seasonal allergies, however it’s important to notate that she is actually the one who is better fit assisting with alleviating that ailment. She generally grows within close proximity to the true offender, Ragweed.
• Goldenrod infused local honey is a fantastic homeopathic option to add to your daily diet at this time of year if you suffer from seasonal allergies. It is also quite easy to prepare with just two ingredients. Fresh goldenrod flowers & local honey. Combine approximately a 1/4 cup of flowers to 1 cup of honey in a jar. Stir vigorously to remove as many bubbles as possible and place on a sunny shelf for a week. Once the infusion is complete, strain into a new clean jar and store in your fridge.
• An important rule with wild foraging outside of your property where you control the environment, make sure you aren’t in an area that uses pesticides or other chemical treatments. Ideally you don’t want to forage close to roads or busy streets due to the contaminants of traffic. Lastly, double check your haul for little travelers and return them to nature!
