of the meadow is also used in nerve fibres, which once destroyed can never be replaced. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of the root— Albuminuria, Calculi, Cystitis, Diabetes, Dropsy, Enuresis, Gravel, Headache, Home-sickness, Hysteria, Impotence, Indigestion, Intermittent fever, Renal colic, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Strangury, Throat( sore), Urine( retention of), Vomiting.
GUM PLANT Grindelia squarrosa( Pursh)( N. O.: Compositae)
Common Names: Gumweed, Tarweed, Sticky Heads. Features: A genus of the family compositae, of coarse, resinous herbs. Found chiefly in North America, west of the Rocky Mountains.
Of the four species, Robusta has the following identification: a perennial herb 1 – 3 ft. high, growing in silt marshes and along mountain ranges. Leaves are tin. long, pale green, broadly spatulate, smooth and finely dotted; sometimes flexous and coated with resin terminating in resinous flower heads. Flowers, yellow, of aromatic taste and balsamic odour. Should be collected as soon as in full bloom. Medicinal Parts: Dried leaves and flowering tops. Solvents: Alcohol, boiling water. Bodily Influence: Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Diuretic. Uses: Antidote for the affliction of poison oak or ivy. Much used in indolent ulcers, impetigo, eczema and allergic dermatitis. For this, Dr. Clymer, M. D., in“ Natures Healing Agents” informs us:“ 1 ounce of fluid extract of Gum Plant( Grindelia), 1 ounce of 90 ° proof alcohol, and 1 or 2 ounces of water, and applied as frequently as the itch demands. At night, a compress made with it may be applied to the affected portions of the body.” The tincture of grindelia, 5 – 20 drops in water, should be given internally in conjunction with the external application three to four times a day, according to age and condition.
Gum plant is also effective in asthma, bronchial or allergic cases, and respiratory conditions which include harsh dry cough and wheezing. Caution: of no value to asthma where the heart is involved, as in this condition it slows heart action.
The Indians boiled the root and drank the tea for the liver; buds on the plant were dried for use with smallpox and measles; a ½ cupful, hot, was said to be good for pneumonia. A decoction of leaves was made for running sores. Spring collection of the flowering tops were used as a blood purifier and to relieve throat and lung trouble. For toothache a small quantity was held in the mouth, but never swallowed. For rheumatism the fresh plant was crushed and applied to the troublesome part of the body. Dose: Tincture of. Grindelia alone, 5 – 30 drops according to age or condition. 1 teaspoonful of the leaves and flowering tops, cut small or granulated, to 1 cup of boiling water. Drink cold 1 cupful during the day, a large mouthful at a time. Homoeopathic Clinical: A tincture is made of the leaves and unexpanded flowers. Bundy’ s proving of Grindelia squarrosa was made with a tincture of the dried plant( J. H. Clarke, 1962)— Asthma, Bites, Bronchitis, Cheyne Stoke’ s breathing, Conjunctivitis, Emphysema, Erythema, Eyes( pain in), Glaucoma, Heart( affection of), Iritis, Itching, Liver( pain in), Pruritus vulvae, Pruritus vaginae, Rhus poisoning, Spleen( pain in), Ulcers.