Easy Goldenrod Tincture Recipe

Where to find goldenrod

Goldenrod is native to North America. It grows in sunny, open fields, meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. There are also some species that have been established in South America and Europe. 

How to identify goldenrod

Goldenrod is easy to spot due to its bright yellow flowers that grow in dense clusters on tall, slender stems. The flowers often form plume-like shapes and bloom from late summer to early fall, and are a great source of nectar for pollinators. 

The leaves are long, narrow, and alternately arranged along the stem, with a slightly toothed edge. Goldenrod is often mistaken for ragweed, but unlike ragweed, it does not typically cause allergies since its pollen is not airborne.

When to harvest goldenrod

The best time to harvest goldenrod is when the plants are in full bloom, which happens in late summer through early fall. You should try to collect the flowers and upper leaves when they are fresh, just before the flowers begin to wilt or turn brown. 

Harvesting during a dry day, preferably in the morning after the dew has evaporated, helps to make sure that the plant material is clean and at its peak potency. Definitely avoid harvesting from areas exposed to poisonous herbicides and pesticides, such as alongside roadsides with heavy traffic.

Health benefits of goldenrod

Helps with kidney stones – Provides national diuretic effects by increasing urine flow.

Reduces oxidative stress – Contains antioxidants that combat free radicals and support overall health.

Eases seasonal allergy symptoms – May help alleviate a runny nose and other mild allergy symptoms.

Soothes sore throat – Goldenrod’s natural astringent properties can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat.

Supports urinary tract health – Helps address urinary tract infections by increasing healthy urine flow which helps to flush out bacteria.

What parts to use in a tincture

The most medicinally active parts of goldenrod are the flowers and upper leaves. While the flowers are what’s normally used in tinctures, the leaves also have medicinal properties. Avoid using the lower stems, as they are less concentrated in the medicinal compounds and can dilute the tincture’s effectiveness.

Fresh or dried goldenrod?

You can use either dried or fresh goldenrod flowers and leaves but I prefer to used dried. This is because fresh goldenrod can have a lot of water content in the plant material which can make the tincture spoil more quickly. If you use fresh plant material, consider using a higher-proof alcohol (over 80-proof) to help offset the additional water content.

Folk method

I use the folk method to make my tinctures. This means that I do not weigh out my plant material or alcohol prior to making the tincture. I simply add plants to a glass jar and cover them with alcohol. 

This is a method that is suitable for personal use, but if you’re planning to sell your tinctures, it’s best to weigh out the plant material. This helps to ensure a consistent nutrient density in all of the tinctures.

Contraindications

Always speak with an herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner before trying a new herbal medicine. Goldenrod is generally safe, but some people may experience allergic reactions, especially if they’re sensitive to plants like ragweed. It’s also not advised for people who have a medical condition like high blood pressure or are taking medications that could interact with diuretics.

Simple goldenrod tincture recipe

Tools

An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass pint mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extract to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

Small amber dropper bottle with a dropper top – I like these

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter – I like these unbleached ones

A small funnel

A knife – for chopping up fresh goldenrod

Supplies

Fresh or dried goldenrod – Here’s a source for organic goldenrod

80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar and this vegetable glycerin. If you’re using fresh goldenrod, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

If you’re using fresh goldenrod, I recommend using a knife to chop up the fresh plant. You can use the flowers and upper leaves to make the tincture. Then I recommend to leave the fresh plant material sit out in a place with good airflow until the flowers and leaves have dried.

Add your goldenrod into a clean glass pint jar. If you’re using undried plant material, fill the jar ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dried goldenrod, fill the pint jar ⅓ full. 

Cover the plant material with 80-proof alcohol. I prefer to use unflavoured vodka to keep the flavour of the final tincture neutral.

Add a lid to the jar and give it a shake to make sure everything is submerged. 

After shaking it, add a piece of parchment paper between the lid and glass jar if you’re using a metal lid. Date and label the jar and set it in a cool, dark place for at least 4-6 weeks (I tend to recommend letting it sit for 6-8 weeks to allow the full extraction process to take place).

Aim to shake the jar a few times a week to keep everything moving. If you notice that the alcohol levels are low, you can top it up.

After 8 weeks, use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain off the final tincture. You can do multiple strains to fully remove the plant material.

Use a funnel to add the tincture to a storage container and date and label the tincture. I like to use amber glass dropper bottles but you can use what you have. That’s it!

How much goldenrod tincture to use?

Speak to your herbalist or other healthcare professional before starting a new herbal medicine. I like to take about 20 drops 2-3 times per day when needed. You can start with a small amount and work your way up.

How long does the tincture last?

Like other alcohol-based herbal remedies, this tincture has a long shelf life. If it’s stored properly in a dry place and out of direct sunlight, goldenrod tincture can last for years. I like to use my alcohol-based tinctures within 2-3 years.

How to use the tincture

Directly – Add the dosage under your tongue for fast absorption.

Diluted – Add the dosage to water or herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint to dilute the flavour.

How to make this without alcohol

You can simply swap the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. Vinegar and glycerin aren’t as good as alcohol at extracting the beneficial compounds or preserving them. I like to consume vinegar-based extracts within about 6 months and glycerin-based extracts within a year.