Medicinal Herb Post #32 written July 23, 2018
Gumweed – Grindelia spp.
This little happy weed is a perennial that grows in poor dry soil. Although some have said their experience with it has been shown to be an annual or biennial. I’ve also grown it in fertile soil in my own back yard too. You’ve probably seen it along road sides when driving through the canyons. It’s found just about anywhere in the southern parts off the US and Mexico. It has yellow flowers that produce a resinous substance, that is considered the medicine. The parts used are the buds that contain the most amount of resin, flowers and leaves. Ariel parts should be picked when you can see the gummy resin on the buds and flowers and then dried. The fresh resinous sap requires Everclear, 95% alcohol, when making into a tincture. 100 proof vodka will do, just use as needed without straining.
Gumweed is a great antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antibiotic, making it a fabulous herb for any respiratory problem from asthma to bronchitis, emphysema and even whooping cough. Because it’s a great antibiotic and vulnerary (accelerates wound healing) it can be used topically on wounds (Native Americans used it specifically for poison ivy), burns, insect bites, rashes and even eczema. It can be used fresh as a poultice topically. Gumweed can be beneficial when used for bladder infections, but not meant to be used in large doses because it can be hard on the kidneys. Those who have kidney issues shouldn’t take it internally.
I make an asthma tincture for my boys using equal parts gumweed, lobelia, mullein and Brigham’s tea. It works really well for them.
I like to use it in a natural antibiotic ointment! I infuse calendula and gumweed into olive oil. Strain and add beeswax and manuka honey with oregano essential oil. Works wonders!
