Today's Herb: Golden Rod Golden Rod - Solidago virguaurea (Compositae) Description: Perennial herb with downy slim leafy stems that occasionally branch and grow up to 5 ft. Leaves are narrow, ovular and toothed. In late summer bears tiny bright yellow flowers in panicles. Uses: Use green flowering plant before flower heads open, fresh or dried in the shade. Used in poultices for external wounds and infusions for fevers and digestive problems. Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours. Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight. Medicinal uses: fevers, digestive upsets, kidney and bladder ailments, rheumatism, arthritis
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