Gumweed

Grindelia, also known as gumweed, scientific name Grindelia robusta, is a plant native to California and Mexico belonging to the Asteraceae family, just like chamomile, marigold or arnica. Grindelia is a remedy with proven anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, moreover, it is also expectorant and anti-asthmatic thanks to particular antioxidant and protective substances, saponins and flavonoids, contained in the resin that covers the flowerheads of grindelia. From these flowerheads it is possible to obtain a powerful medicinal remedy used and appreciated for centuries especially in the United States. However, in recent years grindelia is becoming well known all over the world thanks to the evidences that science has been able to provide on its effectiveness on health. In particular, grindelia is considered a useful and powerful remedy to treat cough, with phlegm or dry and persistent, since it soothes and calms the impulse to cough, bronchitis, asthma and inflammation of nose and throat (Nowak et al, Acta poloniae pharmaceutica, Aug 2012 - La et al, Phytother Res, Nov 2010). You can take grindelia in the form of herbal tea, which has a more delicate effect. In this case bring to a boil a cup of water, then remove from the heat and add a tablespoon of plant. Leave to brew for ten minutes then filter and drink preferably without food. However, since the grindelia resin is not very soluble in water, to maximize its balsamic and soothing effect on the respiratory tract mucosa you can take another remedy, much more active than the herbal tea, given by the fluid extract, 30 drops three times per day in a little water. In any case it is always good to take grindelia for short periods of time because an excessive use could irritate the gastric mucosa. Avoid the remedy during pregnancy and breastfeeding or if you suffer from kidney and liver problems.