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Common Name
Grindelia, Gumweed, Gumplant
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Botanical Name
Grindelia robusta
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Part Used
Herb
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
60%
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Dose
10 to 20mL weekly
Grindelia is a sticky and resinous plant that is often used for respiratory ailments, specifically hot, dry coughs with clinging, dried out mucous. It assists in bringing up the mucous while soothing the bronchial tubes, especially in cases of a tight sore chest, dry hacking cough, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and emphysema. Not only will grindelia help to bring up stuck mucous but it will also soothe the smooth muscles of the lungs, relaxing them and helping the bronchioles to open, allowing for more air flow. At the same time grindelia can be supportive to the urinary system for bladder and urinary tract infections. It has been recommended in cystitis and catarrh of the bladder.
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Traditional Use
Grindelia is a traditional medicine of Californian Native Americans such as the Chumash people. The resins produced by grindelia are similar in chemistry and physical properties to those obtained from pine trees for use in the naval stores industry.
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Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, expectorant, alterative, antibacterial, demulcent, diuretic, hypotensive, sedative, vulnerary, antiasthmatic.
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Indications
• Respiratory disorders including asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, hay fever, upper respiratory catarrh, the common cold
• Heart disease including tachycardia and palpitations
• Bladder and urinary tract infections
• Externally for hot and dry skin conditions especially poison ivy dermatitis -
Energetics
Cooling, moistening, pungent, bitter.
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Use in Pregnancy
Insufficient reliable information is available so avoid using.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Use with caution for those with acute kidney infections.
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Drug Interactions
None known.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Adhatoda, Elecampane, Liquorice, Mullein, Red Clover, Thyme