Plant Ally: Grindelia
Background: A Perennial Shrub with stems that grow up to half a yard long; paired with sticky resinous leaves, producing bright yellow daisy-like flowers sitting on top of spiked bracts. This herb is layered in sticky resin which coins its nickname “Gum Weed”
Native to North and South America this botanical has over 25 different species growing. Family of Asteraceae which is home to many daisies and sunflowers. The more common Grindelias with a medicinal background are Grindelia Robusta, Squarrosa, or Camporum.
You can find these vibrant shrubs in most grasslands or roadsides. Along any rough patches of land where there is rocky dirt, you can spot Grindelia. Their resilience to many climates speaks to their strength as a plant ally. They are more than just a roadside shrub but hold strong medicinal profile for our lungs and skin health.
Benefits
Historically, Grindelia has been known as a powerful herb for healing severe illnesses related to our bladder and respiratory systems. Especially in cases where phlegm blocks the bronchial passageways resulting in nasal congestion and most common cold-like symptoms. Unlike many other expectorants that only work to break down excessive phlegm in their lungs, Grindelia also serves as an antitussive when dealing with the symptoms of (whooping cough, hay fever, cold). This helps desensitize nerve ends in our bronchial tubes. Relaxing the hearts muscles to promote circulation; easing nasal airways for better breathing. One of the main components in Grindelia (Grindelic Acid) is excreted through the kidneys, which supports its job at filtering out toxins in our blood by stimulating the mucous membranes to form a protective layer within our urinary system. This herb is better used for cases where kidneys are lacking mucilage in the walls of their kidney.
Used topically, Grindelia contains beneficial resins and oils which combat most skin irritations. From Poison ivy to tougher wounds. The resin naturally gives a protective layer that not only triggers an anti-inflammatory response to the body but defends any potential microbial threats from growing. Promoting faster skin regeneration and wound healing.
Herbal Constituents
To understand the herbal magic behind Grindelia, let’s breakdown the major constituents that give Grindelia value😊
Grindelic Acid – A diterpene that works to clear built up congestion in bronchial ends. Making it inflammatory responsive to severe kidney and bronchial aliments through relaxing inflamed tissues.
Flavonoids – Quercetin, a specific flavonoid that neutralizes free radicals in our vascular system. Boosting more circulation to our heart; playing a major role in relaxing heart rate for easier breathing (common symptom of nasal congestion and general asthma)
Resins- Aromatic resins act as a demulcent to soothe irritated membranes mainly within our bronchial passageways. As a plant covered in resin, it has vulnerary actions. Treating minor wound care, burns or dermatitis caused by poison ivy, bites or any itchy skin.
WAYS TO USE:
Grindelia is a versatile plant with topical and internal applications. This is strong cleansing herb that is known to fight any inflammation in our respiratory system. From severe conditions like Catarrhs (inflamed mucous membranes, commonly manifests in the airways of our body) to acute sinus complications like asthma. Adding Grindelia to your rotation of herbs, serves as a tonic for your respiratory system.
TEA: Consistently drinking one cup a day can boost respiratory support. Any sweeteners outside of sugar are helpful with the bitter taste
1 teaspoon per 8 oz water (standard mug) steeping for 3-5 minutes
TINCTURES: For a more potent and fast acting respiratory relief, tinctures can be a convenient way of taking Grindelia
TOPICAL APPLICATIONS: Grindelia has been used grindelia in a salve or poultice to soothe irritated skin or bites
HERB COMBINATIONS:
It’s only right to combine the herbs with other plant allies when creating a recipe. Choosing herbs that complement each other make a powerhouse blend that amplifies the individual properties.
Lemon Verbena: Another known great expectorant that works to treat bronchial and nasal congestion. Helping loosen phlegm and calming our nervous system. This is a mild relaxant that induces sleep, which can be helpful or inconvenient depending on your situation.
Echinacea Angustifolia: Also known as a strong anti-inflammatory, Echinacea stimulates our immune system to be more combative against any bacterial threats. This herb also has great topical uses being antiseptic and can be coupled in a topical application
Oat straw: Outside of soothing our nerves, Oat straw can be great for skin health. It has a gentle hand in soothing any skin conditions along with relaxing any acute body aches dealing with our nerves
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Avoid taking high dosages which can lead to kidney and stomach Irritation.
As always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical Condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read, heard, seen in our blog posts. 🙂
