Grindelia squarrosa

Here in the Teton Valley, we have a wild species of Grindelia that in common terms is called Curly-cup Gumweed.
When I first saw this plant, I had no idea what it was, but I knew inside myself that I needed to know it.
After researching last year, I correctly identified it as Grindelia squarrosa, and began to read about its medicinal use.

It has a long history of asthmatic and bronchial use, as it tends to slow the heart rate down, resulting in rest and easier breathing.
It thins out phlegm, aiding respiration that was congested by phlegm in the bronchial ariways.

Traditionally,this plant has been used for whooping cough and tuberculosis.
It has also been used as a poultice or tea application for dermatitis, poison ivy and rashes.

The plant itself is very resinous. When I gathered this summer, my hands would be very dirty from the strong resins this plant contains. The aroma is what you would expect from a resinous plant too. Kinda paint thinnerish. Maybe next year I can articulate that as I gather. I am going by memory of harvesting right now.
I really felt good energy from this little plant and finally had a chance to use it this week.

In my learning about the use of Grindelia, one of the applications specific for this plant is that it assists hay fever and cold situations in the head, where there is much upper respiratory mucus.

One of the things about living in such a cold climate, is that it is often much colder than you imagine going from your house to outdoors. I found last year that we battled sickness more when we were not ready for the huge shift in temperature.
Things can happen quickly here I have noticed. You may get too cold in 10 minutes of being unprepared for outdoor weather, and a couple hours later a fever or exhaustion can set in, along with other symptoms.
All this talk of the cold not having anything to do with illnesses I think is a bunch of bull.
Sure there are viruses and bacteria and all, but after raising 7 children, I have seen time and time again, cold weather and underdressing can lead to illness rather quickly.
Herbal preparations assist my family in so many ways.
Not as magic bullets, but often symptoms are relieved far sooner than if left alone or taking OTC remedies only to relieve the misery of the affliction.

Well, not practicing what I preach, I allowed myself to get a bit cold this week. When the moon is full, I tend to not sleep very well too. Yesterday it felt like stuff was stuck in my head. Pressure, sinus irritation and just one of those days you can tell you are not quite right.

I decided to try grindelia for this. And within an hour, I felt rather normal!
I took a full dropper dose. It felt as though the head congestion loosened.
I took a few more doses throughout the day as I had plans that evening, as well as work the next day.
Today, I am draining, far more than I would like, but possibly due to those many full doses of tincture.

At first the mucus was yellow, indicating possible bacteria or virus, sinus infection, possibly.
But it is totally clear today.

I would like to keep writing about this ally as I experience it more, but could not resist sharing this little bit of understanding this week.

I would say that a 10 drop dose might be a better choice next time simply because everything seemed to bust loose in my head so abundantly.

Grindelia is contraindicated for people with renal disease. It can irritate the kidneys, old literature declares.
I have noted that it is diuretic in nature.

Gumweed is also contraindicated in people with heart conditions. Probably due to the nature of the plant slowing things down.

It is interesting to me that if this plant can slow things down, it could also assist other matters of stress and lack of relaxation in a persons life.
I guess time will tell...or maybe those lovely plant spirits will speak about it.