Happy Fall Equinox! Today night and day are of equal length and starting tomorrow night lengthens into the darkness of winter.
The equinox offers us a time to pause to take stock of the summer's harvest, welcome the dark and honor the shift of seasons.
On the farm, farmers are bringing in winter squash, root vegetables, hardy greens like kale and collards, apples, dry beans, dried herbs and collecting seeds for next year. September always reminds me of peppers, as fresh peppers are still going strong during a time when most summer crops are dwindling.
Many experience anxiety during this time of year, which is completely natural, as it is deep in our biology to prepare for winter and the scarcity it can bring. If this is your experience, I encourage you to turn to a wonderful and magical plant called Goldenrod.
I recently heard Goldenrod being described as "the golden staff to lean on when you need a boost or when you feel like you can't go on."
Medicinal Qualities:
Goldenrod is a helpful kidney remedy that helps filter our blood and clean up waste after an illness, or if your kidney needs an extra boost.
It is an anti-catarrhal, meaning it dries up excess mucus during a flu or cold episode. It often gets blamed for allergies, but its anti-catarrhal qualities can actually help reduce allergy symptoms.
You might see this plant on roadsides or in unmowed meadows. It stands tall with its beautiful golden hue and can be harvested for tea or used in a tincture or oxymel for a winter cold and flu remedy.
Goldenrod is an aster and will keep maturing after being picked, so if you want to dry Goldenrod, make sure to cut the plant before the yellow flowers are completely open.
Natural Dyeing Workshop coming up!
Aside from its medicinal qualities, Goldenrod produces a beautiful yellow in natural dyeing. I will be using lots of Goldenrod in my next natural dyeing workshop at A Maker's Circle on October 2! If you are interested in exploring this magical plant further, I encourage you to sign up!
As always, my books for new clients or existing clients who want extra support are OPEN!
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Blair
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