Grindelia
is antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant and sedative. It helps to relax smooth muscles in the body and is a good
treatment for coughs, especially bronchial cough and whooping cough as well as
asthma. It was once regarded as a
specific remedy for asthma. Administer Gumweed as a smoke made from dried
leaves, as tincture or tea. The
German Commission E has approved Gumweed and its preparations for the treatment
of upper respiratory catarrh.
Gumweed
is a mild sedative and cardiac relaxant and helps to lower high blood pressure
and to moderate arrhythmias of the heart.
It
is a stimulant to both the liver and the spleen and a highly effective treatment
for headache, dizziness, and nausea, especially when associated with malarial
episodes or with general toxic overload and depressed liver and spleen function.
It was once considered a specific for treating malaria and can help
reduce the swelling of an enlarged spleen.
Large
doses can produce nausea and vomiting, depress the heart, respiration and
temperature, dilate the pupils, and cause sleep with reduced sensory and reflex
response.
For a tea, infuse one tablespoonful of dried herb per cup.
Dosage of the tincture is 2 - 4ml or 30 - 60 drops.
You may apply the tincture, tea, or fresh plant locally, alone or in
combination with Jewelweed to treat Poison Ivy/Poison Oak reactions.
CAUTION: Very
large
doses can produce motor paralysis, beginning in the legs, and eventually, if the
dose is large enough, cause death by paralysis of the muscles of respiration.
It does not have a reputation as a toxic plant because of the large
quantities of plant material or extract required producing a toxic reaction.
Gumweed and preparations offered for sale rarely carry toxicity warnings.
