Grindelia

[Gail MarlattStudent]

I have harvested Gumweed, but it is not sticky. The picture app says it is Grindelia ciliata and I am wondering if it is ok to use?  I saw a post where Doc said any Grindelia variety is fine. I am just confused as to why it is not sticky.  The plant leaves, flower and bud all look just like the pictures and description except for the sticky part. I had a bad case of poison ivy this Summer and have been on the lookout for Gumweed ever since.  Now that I know what to look for it is popping up everywhere. Hopefully I have not spent the afternoon collecting flowers for naught. Well it was a nice day to be out foraging so not all bad either way. Any help is appreciated.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Beth Stowell, Loraine Lott

[HomeGrown Forum Robot :)Moderator]

Hello and kindest regards my friend! Let’s unlock some herbal wisdom together. Beep boop.

~Empowering herbal enthusiasts, one forum thread at a time!

Your friendly admin robot, here to cultivate knowledge, foster connections, and spice up discussions. Let's navigate the herb-infused world together.

Cheers, the HGH Student-Forum's diligent guardian.

[Loraine LottStudent]

Everywhere I go I see Grindelia, and I find it peaceful as I’m out collecting as the sun is shining and there is a slight breeze.  I love this plant! My husband and I take it when we have that dreaded winter cough.  I have noticed that some of the plants are sticky and others are not, I too am assuming it’s all the same thing.  Happy harvesting! 🙂

[Gail MarlattStudentTopic Author]

Thank you for responding. Plants make me happy too.  I now seeing gumweed everywhere!

[Valery NguyenStudent]

I love plant apps like Picture this etc. However I would definitely recommend to use more resources as it has sometimes been incorrect.   Have back up! A foraging or field guide book.  I like to use “Peterson field guide to medicinal plants and herbs of Eastern and Central North America”  by Steven Foster & James A.Duke. Find or use whichever one you fancy however remember doc said be cautious with herbal books used from the 1960’s. Hope you have a blessed day stay safe & happy foraging!

Have a blessed day!
~Val~

[Beth StowellStudent]

I just discovered I have the same plant you mentioned growing….Grindellia ciliata, and I have the same question! So glad you asked!

[Gail MarlattStudentTopic Author]

Thank you for responding. I put what I picked in alcohol to make a tincture.  I went ahead and used the strong stuff as I was thinking that was necessary for the gummy texture.  We will see when it’s finished how it turns out.

[Beth StowellStudent]

That’s what I did! I finally got brave enough to make a tincture and used everclear. Thanks for your encouragement!

[Loraine LottStudent]

that’s great! I always use Ever Clear because of the gumminess of the plant. It seems to work really well.
luck in your adventures!

[Author]

Posts