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Gumweed
Gumweed is a wild plant growing around the Rocky Mountain area. The blossoms excrete a sticky substance that binds with mucus in the body and then carries it out through the waste systems. Because of this special characteristic of "unsticking stuck stuff" it can remove congestion from all parts of the body.
Grindelia camporum
Family: Asteraceae - daisy, sunflower
Parts used: flowering tops (most medicinal), leaves
Alterative
Antiasthmatic
Antispasmodic
Antimicrobial
Anti-Inflammatory
Demulcent
Diuretic
Expectorant
Hypotensive
Sedative
Stomachic
Vulnerary
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Warming
Moistening
Bitter
Respiratory
Uses
Respiratory conditions of all kinds including bronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia, allergies, asthma, etc.
Coughs of all kinds including wet, dry, lingering, and irritating.
Cold and flu
Sore throat and infections
Infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract such as ear and throat, tooth and gum, sinus, and lung. (1/2 teaspoon tincture or 1/2 cup tea four times a day until symptoms subside)
Skin irritations such as poison ivy, rashes, hives, bites, and stings, etc. (salve, cream, or compress)
Tissue repair and skin regeneration, use for chronic and acute skin conditions.
Helps alleviate congestion of all kinds throughout the body including digestive, kidney, liver, spleen, and respiratory system mentioned above.
Joint and muscle pain and inflammation (massage topically on area of concern)
Urinary tract infection
Accelerates wound healing, including sores
Mild sedative and cardiac relaxant
Tea, gargle, wash
Steam inhalation, bath, or soak
Tincture (use alcohol as the menstruum)
Syrup, honey
Poultice, compress
Oil, salve, cream
Gumweed is easy to identify with its sticky flower heads and white, gummy centers. It can be found in dry, sandy, open fields, plains, roadsides, wasteland, and mountain sides.
Harvest the bud, blossoms, and leaves as they appear on the plant. Can be used fresh or dried for future use.
Safety
Can lower blood pressure so best not to take if dealing with a weak heart or low blood pressure. The resins can irritate the kidneys if taken in excessive dosages.
Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains
Herbs to Know in the Wild
Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs
