Grindelia

Genus: Grindelia
english name: Giant Gum Plant, Wild sunflower
latin name: Grindelia camporum

Family: Asteraceae
Contenents: diterpenes (including grindelic acid), resins, and flavonoids
Parts used: Leaves, flowering tops
Properties: anti-inflammatory action, expectorant and sedative action
Uses
internal uses: cases of bronchial asthma, in respiratory impediments caused by phlegm induced obstruction in the airways, bronchitis, mucus,
external uses: is used as a topical remedy for the treatment of many disorders, including the treatment of burns, the treatment of poison ivy rash, the treatment of dermatitis, eczema and a variety of skin eruptions.

The grindelia is indigenous to the southwestern region of the United States and is also found in certain parts of Mexico. The Native American peoples utilized the grindelia herb to treat bronchial problems, skin afflictions (including allergic reactions to the poison ivy plant). This plant is a perennial that grows in sandy or clay soils. The name " gum plant " is applied especially to Grindelia robusta, because of the sticky substance covering the plant.