Grindelia squarrosa Rosin weed (Compositae)

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Grindelia squarrosa
Rosin weed
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The Grindelia squarrosa plant species is found in N. America - Minnesota to British Columbia, south to California and Texas. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Rosin weed.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Grindelia squarrosa
Common Name:  Rosin weed
Family:  Compositae
Author:  (Pursh.)Dun.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Prairies, plains and dry banks[4, 43].

Medicinal Information: Rosin weed was used by the native North American Indians to treat bronchial problems and also skin afflictions such as reactions to poison ivy[254]. It is still used in modern herbalism where it is valued especially as a treatment for bronchial asthma and for states where phlegm in the airways impedes respiration[254]. In addition, it is believed to desensitize the nerve endings in the bronchial tree and slow the heart rate, thus leading to easier breathing[254]. The plant merits investigation as a treatment for asthma[222]. The herb is contraindicated for patients with kidney or heart complaints[254]. The dried leaves and flowering tops are antiasthmatic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and sedative[4, 46, 207, 212, 238, 254]. The principal use of this herb is in the treatment of bronchial catarrh, especially when there is an asthmatic tendency, it is also used to treat whooping cough and cystitis[4, 254]. The active principle is excreted from the kidneys, and this sometimes produces signs of renal irritation[4, 238]. Externally, the plant is used as a poultice to treat burns, poison ivy rash, dermatitis, eczema and skin eruptions[212, 213, 222, 238]. The plant is harvested when in full bloom and can be used fresh as a poultice or dried for infusions etc[254]. A fluid extract is prepared by placing the freshly gathered leaves and flowers in a small quantity of simmering water for about 15 minutes[213]. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the leaves and flowering stems[4].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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