Grindelia (Grindelia camporum)

Grindelia (Grindelia camporum) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to California, Usa, Oregon, Usa, Washington, and Usa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and resin have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Grindelia (Grindelia camporum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Grindelia (Grindelia camporum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Grindelia
Scientific Name	Grindelia camporum
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Grindelia
Species	camporum
Native Range	California, Usa, Oregon, Usa, Washington, Usa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Expectorant, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Grindelia camporum
Common Name: Grindelia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Desert Gumweed, Grindelweed, California Goldenweed
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Grindelia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, featuring distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences are composite heads with yellow disc florets and white ray florets, arranged in dense clusters, exhibit actinomorphic symmetry, and have five lobed ray florets with a central tubular corolla.
Stems: Erect growth habit with opposite branching, glabrous surface, and pith that is white and spongy.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a mild bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Expectorant: Traditionally described as a cooling expectorant, in chest-related herbal contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a moderate carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Specific general precautions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.