High summer is all about the herbs of the field. Be on the look out for Bee Balm, Goldenrod, & the wild Mints. Keep your eyes on the hedgerows for late Elder flowers, and be ready for ripe Elderberries soon. New England Aster will be ready before we know it, too, although it has a long and forgiving season, unlike Elderberry–the birds and raccoons will harvest your medicine for you if you aren’t vigilant!
As you wild-craft, remember to be respectful and loving to pollinators, plants, and other animals that rely on plants for sustenance, as well as other gatherers.
Also get ready for goldenrod! This much maligned plant is a wonderful ally for allergies, sinus issues, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, sore throats, and more. It is wonderful as a tincture, syrup, honey, or dried for tea.
Allergy syrup is my favorite way to use goldenrod. I combine it with Tulsi, Nettles, & Schisandra, in raw wildflower honey.
I also love goldenrod as part of a cold & flu syrup, together with Thyme, Bee Balm, Hyssop, & Elder.
Learn to make your own Herbal Allergy Syrup with goldenrod!
Read more about the importance of ethical wild-crafting here
