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.