- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Western North America and Mexico; related species in South America. Grindelia robusta, G. squarrosa and related species
North America · Herb · № 170
Grindelia camporum
Herb · North America
Gumweed
Grindelia camporum
The sticky herb was traditionally used for coughs, asthma and bronchitis, and externally for poison-ivy rashes. Clinical evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Large amounts may irritate the kidneys and stomach. Allergy is possible with daisy-family sensitivity. Asthma needs medical treatment.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not with low blood pressure, can irritate the kidneys.
Preparation
The flowering herb as tincture or tea; externally as a compress. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Indigenous peoples of the western prairies and California applied it to rashes and used it for respiratory complaints. Spanish missionaries learned it from them; in the 19th century it entered the US Pharmacopeia. Ody describes it as an American chest herb.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antispasmodic, expectorant, slows the heart.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
Caution: Not with low blood pressure, can irritate the kidneys.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureCompress, poultice and paste