Grindelia beautifies numerous gardens today with its yellow flowers. However, the plant, originally from America, can also be used as a remedy for a variety of ailments.
Occurrence and cultivation of the Grindelia
In addition to its bright yellow flowers, it is notable for its lengthwise furrowed and almost glabrous stem, which is covered with resin glands. Grindelia belongs to the composite family. Under its scientific name Grindelia robusta (newer also: Grindelia camporum) about 50 different species are summarized. The plant was named after the botanist David Hieronymus Grindel (1776-1836). Naturally, the Grindelia is found on the American continent and is widespread there from Mexico to Canada. The plant grows half a meter to a meter high and tolerates heat as well as cold. It owes its nickname “robusta” to its insensitivity. In addition to its bright yellow flowers, it is notable for its lengthwise furrowed and almost glabrous stem, which is covered with resin glands. The sparsely hairy, monotonous leaves grow to about five centimeters long and have a toothed margin. The flower of the grindelia is formed from several rows. This shape of the flower head is botanically called a sheathing calyx. In layman’s terms, this flower shape reminds us of the daisy.
Effect and application
For quite some time, the Grindelia has also been cultivated in Europe as an ornamental plant. It is known by the names tarweed, gumweed and spleenwort. Gardeners appreciate it mainly for its reliability and insensitivity. Grindelia is hardy and thrives in almost any soil. Although it is originally at home in dry and semi-arid regions, it also tolerates somewhat loamy soil, but not waterlogging. The soil should not be too rich in nutrients; the addition of compost or fertilizer is not recommended. The plant grows in the sun or partial shade and blooms from May to October. It reaches its best form in a very sunny place, where it can reach heights of up to 1.50 meters. With its bright yellow flowers, it adds a fresh splash of color to perennial beds. Seeds can be sown from about 16 degrees, and propagation via cuttings is also possible. In some American states, Grindelia is cultivated not only as an ornamental perennial, but also as a medicinal plant. This is because Grindelia has a long tradition in folk medicine. It has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat numerous ailments. Because of its high resin content, this medicinal plant is used for colds, bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough. For this purpose, several cups of tea made from the dried flowers and leaves of grindelia are drunk daily. About one tablespoon of the herbs is poured over boiling water for preparation and allowed to steep for about ten minutes before straining the remains. Homeopaths also use the plant in the form of globules in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Grindelia tea is also traditionally recommended for inflammation of the urinary bladder. The beneficial effect of grindelia on skin irritations of any kind is also known. Thus, in America, its decoction represents a traditional antidote to the severe inflammations caused by contact with poison ivy. This was observed by the Californian physician Dr. Cranfield from Monterey and ensured that the grindelia was given the status of an official medicine in the USA as early as 1863. Grindelia is also successfully used against other skin rashes, eczema and dermatitis to this day. Most often tinctures are used for this purpose. If fresh components of the plant are available, it can also be used to make a poultice, which is applied to inflamed areas of the skin. In addition, because of its soothing and clarifying effect, extracts from grindelia are a component of natural cosmetic products.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Grindelia is one of the very rare medicinal herbs that are characterized by a high resin content. This is from ten to twenty percent. Among the resins found in high concentrations of the plant is diterpenic acid, which is why it is also called grindelia acid. Other essential ingredients are soap-like substances, the so-called saponins, and essential oils. The secretion-relieving and calming effect of remedies made from Grindelia ingredients is based on the interaction of these three components. It has been scientifically proven in numerous studies.The anti-inflammatory effect of grindelia has also long been recognized by traditional medicine. Laboratory tests have shown that the plant’s ingredients inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. In addition, the Grindelia herb is rich in phenolic carboxylic acids. These secondary plant compounds are aromatic carboxylic acids, the basic structure of which is phenol. This has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They also seem to be able to slow down the growth of cancer cells However, there is not yet a sufficient amount of data available on this aspect, so that further studies are indicated. At very high doses, significantly exceeding the recommended daily dose of about four to six grams of the dried herb, irritation of the gastric mucosa has been observed after ingestion of Grindelia tea. It is suspected that such overdoses may also irritate the kidneys. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who wish to use preparations of grindelia should consult with their family physician. In addition, grindelia can have a blood pressure lowering effect and is therefore only conditionally recommended for people with hypotension.
