Earlier this month, Young Living announced that goldenrod essential oil is back in stock while supplies last. We’re here to tell you why goldenrod would be an excellent addition to your essential oil collection and how to use it.
The scientific name for goldenrod, Solidago canadensis, comes from the Latin word solidare which means “to strengthen” or “to make whole.” 1 This is a very sturdy plant that grows all across North America and blooms in late summer or autumn. Goldenrod is iconic for its clusters of bright yellow flowers and can be seen many times along roads and highways. Historically, the goldenrod plant has been used for its plethora of healing benefits and was renowned for being a medicinal plant, thus the Latin name “to make whole.”
While researching for this article, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the many different uses that people have found for the goldenrod herb. For example, Native Americans in the Appalachian Mountains used to make a refreshing blue mountain tea from goldenrod leaves.2 Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not cause hay fever and seasonal allergies. It is quite the opposite actually! The culprit for the nasal blockages and weeping eyes in the fall months happens to be ragweed, which, incidentally, can often be found growing next to goldenrod. Ragweed is most often pollinated by the wind; therefore the pollen is very loose and is carried away by the slightest puff of wind. On the other hand, goldenrod is pollinated by bees and has large and heavy pollen that is not easily carried by the wind.3 Best of all, goldenrod makes delicious honey!
Fun Facts About the Goldenrod Plant
- Thomas Edison experimented with goldenrod as a feasible source of rubber that grows naturally in the United States.4
- After dumping all their English Tea into the Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party, colonists drank goldenrod tea to satisfy their need for tea. For this reason goldenrod now has the nickname “Liberty Tea.”5
- Goldenrod is the state flower of both Nebraska and Kentucky and is the state wildflower of North Carolina.6
- Traditionally, goldenrod was used by Native Americans to alleviate a sore throat.
Goldenrod essential oil from Young Living is distilled from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant, ensuring that as much goodness as possible is preserved in the oil. The key constituents in this oil are germacrene D, alpha-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, and limonene.7 If you have some spare time, I would highly encourage you to research some of these constituents and see what you learn about their properties. Use goldenrod to support the appearance of healthy-looking skin and to create a relaxing environment when diffused.
Usage
- Mix a few drops into your facial wash or incorporate it into your skin care routine
- Mix goldenrod and Mister essential oils and apply it around ankles or feet to support men’s health
- Mix it with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex to create a soothing massage oil.
- Drop one drop each of goldenrod, Eucalyptus radiata, and wintergreen onto a warm towel and place it over your chest or back to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Combine a few drops of goldenrod and Aroma Life and diffuse to create a calming environment
- Apply to the temples, behind the ears, and back of the neck to refresh
- Diffuse and rub it on the bottoms of your feet as part of your bedtime routine
- May be used to support a healthy bladder and urinary tract
With all its many benefits, goldenrod essential oil is only $15.75 wholesale price! Unfortunately, goldenrod will only be sold while supplies last, so order yours soon. Be warned, orders are limited to only one 5ml bottle per account per month.
References
- Goldenrod Essential Oil. (n.d.). Young Living Essential Oils.
- Goldenrod. (n.d.). Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
- Senser, K. (2014). The Goldenrod Allergy Myth. National Wildlife Federation.
- Fraser, S. (2003). Thomas A. Edison Papers. The New York Botanical Garden.
- Richardson, B. (2013). Liberty Teas of Colonial Boston. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
- Goldenrod: Nebraska State Flower. (n.d.). State Symbols USA.
- Essential Oils Pocket Reference (6th ed.). (2014). (n.p.): Life Science Publishing.
