Using Gumweed for Bronchitis

[Laura L. BergesonStudent]

When using gumweed tincture for bronchitis occuring after an upper respiratory virus, how often would the tincture be given? It appears to be effective for about an hour, then needs to be given again from what I’m seeing. That’s a lot of alcohol over the period of a day, especially for children or those who are sensitive to alcohol. I’ve been using a tablespoon of the tincture in water as needed.

How strong is the medicine if the dry gumweed is made into a decoction? Would a half cup of the decoction tea be roughly equivalent to the tablespoon of tincture? The patient is 65 and weighs 155.

The symptoms of a dry hacking somewhat productive cough are much worse at night, interfering with sleep. Is there anything else I could give with the gumweed to help sustain the effects longer? The patient has been sick for 2 weeks and needs to get some sleep! (And I do too!) 🙁

[IdahoHerbalist]

Elecampane is a stronger expectorant that I have used. We are on our way out the door so I will have to add more later. Mullein comes to mind as well. I know there are others. Later.

[Laura L. BergesonStudentTopic Author]

I’m anxiously awaiting your further information! thanks.

[IdahoHerbalist]

While I am compiling (or until Patrick weighs in) when you say DECOCTION in your original post do you mean an Warm INFUSION? I think that is what you are trying to say. I would use a teaspoon of Gumweed in about a cup of recently boiled water. It can be consumed warm or cool depending on the person. Warm would be best I think.

If you have access to it you might also review Doc’s Respiratory module. That, and Moore’s Mountain West book is what I will use for my research.

[IdahoHerbalist]

Some more thoughts:

I have found for me with Gumweed that more is not necessarily better. 15 drops seems to work better for ME than 30.

If the patient is weak and feeble then you may want to stick with the gumweed. Elecampane, in my case, had a more dramatic expectorant effect. Maybe a very small amount of Elecampane in addition. Start weak for sure.

Licorice would be a good addition and I have been taught that it can help other herbs work together better. Renee says it tastes good too.

Mallow or marshmallow would help sooth the tissues.

My wife has used Evening Primrose when she has had issues with breathing associated with inhaled chemicals (perfume and cologne).

Cherry bark and lobelia could be considered as well. These may help reduce any harsh coughing.

If you don’t have ready access and want to look at the respiratory formulas they are posted in the store.

There are others but these are ones that I am more familiar with and that we use at HomeGrown! Herbals.

[Laura L. BergesonStudentTopic Author]

I was thinking of making a decoction by adding the dry gumweed herb to cold water and simmering until the liquid was reduced. That way I could avoid the alcohol that is present in the tincture.

Gumweed just doesn’t seem to have much lasting power and there is a coughing attack every hour or so. I don’t want to completely suppress the cough, as it is important to evacuate the mucus from time to time. But it is debilitating for the patient to be awakened so often in the night.

[Laura L. BergesonStudentTopic Author]

Thanks for the ideas. I’ll have to order some things, as I have few of the herbs you mention on hand. I haven’t used elecampane before. Does it grow in the West?

[IdahoHerbalist]

Not sure where it is native to but I have grown and harvested it. Let us know what you need and we can get it out to you. We have tinctures on the site. Could make dry herbs available too.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

SageWoman wrote: I was thinking of making a decoction by adding the dry gumweed herb to cold water and simmering until the liquid was reduced. That way I could avoid the alcohol that is present in the tincture.

Gumweed just doesn’t seem to have much lasting power and there is a coughing attack every hour or so. I don’t want to completely suppress the cough, as it is important to evacuate the mucus from time to time. But it is debilitating for the patient to be awakened so often in the night.

No need to cook it that long. Just boil some water, turn it off and put the herbs in. Let stand covered until it’s cool enough to drink and your all set. Hold nose tightly and drink.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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