I couldn’t believe my eyes, while walking the land the other day, ~ I spotted some Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) blossoms! It was quite remarkable considering it was early November. The pollinators were happy too. It was a rather brisk day and the little guys were hanging out on the blossoms, though a little sluggish; actually they were barely moving. I decided to take just a couple blossoms to infuse into honey, since I wanted to leave most of them for the pollinators, as they needed to load up for the long winter ahead.
Goldenrod and raw honey are a winning combination. Goldenrod has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, while raw honey contain propolis, a compound that can kill bacteria. Combined they make a very soothing remedy for scratchy and sore throats. Goldenrod infused honey is also useful for reducing congestion and postnasal drip from a bad cold.
Goldenrod honey is very easy to make and as we approach cold and flu season it is a wonderful addition to anyone’s apothecary.
How to make Goldenrod Honey:
- Collect fresh Goldenrod blossoms (when collecting any herb, make sure the area hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals and is not growing along roadways)
- Separate the florets
- Fill clean/dry jar ¼ – ½ with blossoms.
- Fill jar with raw honey (I prefer a light honey like apple blossom or wildflower).
- Fill sauce pan with about 2 inches of water.
- Put jar of herbal honey in pot of water (double-boiler method).
- Simmer water, temperature should never get higher than 110° as it will kill the medicinal qualities of the raw honey.
- Stir honey with a chopstick to disperse blossoms in honey.
Some people strain the blossoms out before eating but I leave them in and take pleasure in the herbs along with the honey.
Take a spoonful for a sore throat or add to tea. YUM!
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.