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 ETYMOLOGY
The name Grindelia is attributed to the German botanist Willdenow H. Grindel, author of Botanoisches Taschenbuch, published in Riga in 1803. Robusta alludes to “robust,” as it is thought to stimulate growth.
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
Family: Asteraceae
Description: A perennial, herbacous plant, which tends to take on the appearance of a shrub and reach 50-60 cm in height. It has a taproot and leaves that are oblong and have serrate edges. The flowers are in the typical arrangement of the Asteraceae family and, accordingly, are yellow.
Habitat: Grindelia is native to the marshy regions of California and northern Mexico.
Cultivation: Grindelia is planted in a bed during the months of February-March and is then transplanted during the spring to an open field. It is a hearty species and can withstand difficult terrain and harsh conditions. Grindelia requires no special care, except in regards to transplantation and occasionally requires irrigation in the event of a prolonged summertime drought.
Method of Harvest:
Harvesting is performed during the summer. The active constituents are found in their highest concentrations at this time, when the plant is just beginning to flower. It then when the still-closed flowering heads are particularly rich in the nutrient laden resinous exudate.
Parts Utilized:
Flowers.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Flavonoids
MODE OF ACTION
Actions: Grindelia possesses anti-spasmodic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities.
Precautions: There are no known side effects seen in research performed using doses within the recommended range.
COMMON INDICATIONS
Grindelia is indicated for use in the case of cough, bronchitis, congestion, and spasm of bronchial smooth muscle.
PREPARATION AND USE
Internal Use: The daily suggested dose is in the range of 1.5-3.5mg of the main active constituent, flavonoids (expressed as iperosides), which is the equivalent to 4-6g of the bulk herb.
External Use: Grindelia extract may be used externally on the chest, etc.
HISTORY
Grindelia was traditionally used by Native Americans as a sedative, expectorant, to alleviate coughs, and also to treat skin conditions such as irritations and burns. It has been in the United States Pharmacopoeia since 1882 and in that of France’s since 1908. It has been considered effective for coughs and spasm of bronchial smooth muscle for centuries.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
“Contribution of methylated exudate flavonoids to the anti-inflammatory activity of Grindelia robusta.” Fitoterapia. 2009 Jul;80(5):267-9. Epub 2009 Mar 9
“Essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of aerial parts of Grindelia robusta from Central Italy.” Fitoterapia. 2007 Sep;78(6):443-5. Epub 2007 May 25.
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