Goldenrod Tincture
A classic 40% alcohol maceration of fresh goldenrod tops (flowers + young leaves). Simple to make, traditionally used as part of flushing therapy for mild lower-urinary-tract discomfort.
Equipment
- cutting board and knife
- Clean jar with tight lid (≈1 liter)
- Fine sieve or muslin cloth
- Funnel
- Dark glass dropper bottles (30–50 ml)
- Labels and pen
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh goldenrod tops flowers + young leaves, coarsely chopped
- 500 ml alcohol 40% e.g., vodka
Instructions
- Prepare the herb: Rinse quickly if needed, pat dry, and coarsely chop.
- Place the plant material in a clean jar and cover completely with 40% alcohol (target ratio ~1 : 5 w/v). Make sure everything is submerged.
- Macerate: Seal the jar and keep it in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks. Shake once daily.
- Pour through muslin or a fine sieve, pressing the marc well to extract the liquid.
- Funnel into dark dropper bottles and label with plant, strength, date.
- Use 20 drops in a glass of water, 3 times daily.
Notes
- Sourcing: Use correctly identified goldenrod. In Europe, S. virgaurea is the native species; S. canadensis/S. gigantea are also used traditionally.
- Ratio: Your quantities equal ~1 : 5 (fresh herb : alcohol, w/v) at 40%—a solid general-purpose strength.
- Storage & shelf life: Store tightly closed, in a cool, dark place; keeps up to 2 years.
- Hydration: Drink extra water during use to support the flushing effect.
- Safety: Not for edema due to heart or kidney disease. Use caution with diuretics. Possible allergy in those sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family). Limited data in pregnancy or breastfeeding—seek professional advice.
- Stop & check: If fever, flank pain, blood in urine, or symptoms persist >1 week, seek medical care.
- Variations: For a stronger extract, some makers use dried herb at 1 : 5 w/v with 50–60% alcohol; adjust only if you’re familiar with tincture strengths.