Grindelia is a genus of plants that is native to the Americas and belongs to the family Asteraceae, (Compositae). It is a plant with bright yellow flowers and is indigenous to much of the United States. It is also commonly called gumweed. Native American people utilized remedies made from grindelia to address bronchial problems as well as skin afflictions of all kinds, including reactions to the poison ivy plant. Practitioners in the United States did not recognize the real effectiveness and value of this plant until the middle of the 19th century. After this time, it came into prominence as a major therapeutic and medicinal herb. Official recognition of grindelia came with the introduction of the herb in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States from 1882 to about 1926. Modern herbalists readily suggest this herb to support the lungs and surrounding tissue.
What is Grindelia Used For?
Today Grindelia continues to be used in herbal therapies to support the respiratory system and assist in the normal production and elimination of mucous. It also provides soothing support to the respiratory tract. Plants in the grindelia genus leave in the mouth a bitter, acrid sensation, which persists for some time and is accompanied or followed by a flow of saliva.
Today Grindelia continues to be used in herbal therapies to support the respiratory system and assist in the normal production and elimination of mucous. It also provides soothing support to the respiratory tract. Plants in the grindelia genus leave in the mouth a bitter, acrid sensation, which persists for some time and is accompanied or followed by a flow of saliva.
Grindelia may contain as much as 21% of amorphous resins. There is also tannins, laevoglucose, and volatile oils found in this plant.
Parts Used
Flowering tops
Important Precautions
Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
More Herbs to Discover
Our Herbal Reference Guide lets you enhance your relationship with herbs by giving you a comprehensive profile of each plant.
