The grindelia, scientific name Grindelia robusta , is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family . It has a cylindrical stem measuring between 10 and 20 cm and up to 2 mm in diameter. Its leaves are sessile, brittle, oblong and up to 5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide at its base, being obtuse at the apex and toothed on the edges. The color of the leaves can be in shades between grayish-green and yellowish-green.
Known as wild sunflower or badly wanted from the field here in Brazil, this plant has American origin and a sub-shrubby aspect with tufts between 50 cm and 90 cm in height. Coated with a resin, the plant has flowers that grow solitary and are very similar to sunflowers.
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Benefits and properties
The plant has been used for many years by natives of Mexico and California to treat respiratory ailments, allergies and skin burns. The tea made with the leaves of the plant can be used in the treatment of respiratory ailments, colic, gas, kidney affections and when used externally, acts as an anti-inflammatory of the skin.
Among its components are tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and acetylenic compounds that grant them their benefits. The plant also has antispasmodic, antitussive, expectorant, diuretic, hypotensive, cardiac relaxant, sedative, tonic, demulcent, aromatic and diaphoretic properties. Thus, its tea is effective in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, cough and bronchitis, arthritis, catarrh, cystitis, sinus congestion, eczema, emphysema, hay fever, wounds, herpes, paralysis, colds, measles, tuberculosis, vaginitis and rheumatism.
How to prepare tea?
To prepare grindelia tea, add two tablespoons of the herb to every liter of water. Put the two ingredients in a container and bring to the fire. When the mixture comes to a boil, turn off and cover, letting the solution sit in a sweltering period of approximately ten minutes. Then strain and consume. The recommended dose is two or three cups distributed throughout the day.
Contraindications and side effects
The consumption of this natural medicine is contraindicated for children under 6 years of age. There are no contraindications for consumption by pregnant and lactating women, as long as the doses indicated by a doctor. There are reports of side effects involving gastric irritation and diarrhea and, in addition, when consumed in doses higher than recommended, the tea of the plant can cause intoxication.