Goldenrod

There are many varieties of this attractive yellow flower dotting the countryside side by side with purple loosestrife during the late summer and early fall months. My grand mother advised people who were allergic to goldenrod to drink a tea made of equal parts of goldenrod flowers and juniper berries. Steep this tea, strain, and drink teaspoon doses each day for several weeks before the allergic response is anticipated. This combination of juniper and goldenrod is also used by some of my favorite Swiss herbalists to relieve kidney and bladder inflammation and to overcome sleeplessness. For these problems, use a teaspoon of each of the herbs to every cup of boiling water. Drink half a cup three to five times a day. If possible, consult your physician before undertaking this regime, however.