The herb called grindelia is native to North America and is often called by different names, including “pomegranate tree,” “vetory tree,” “wild thyme,” and “mountain sage.” The plant known as the grindelia, also known as the “vetory plant,” is a long-lived perennial herb which may grow up to three feet tall – about one meter – after it has grown to adulthood. It is most flavorful when young and red or orange in color. Some varieties of the grindelia plant are small and compact; others grow to be quite large and bushy.
The botanical name of grindelia is Labrinthia spathacea and it is also called “labrador leaf,” “vetory leaf,” or “sea grass.” The botanical name for grindelia is Asteraceae spathacea and it comes from the Greek words also “of salt” and station “of sands.” Other Latin terms used for the botanical name of grindelia are arbutus, anthocyanin, chevra, and olea. The genus of the herbaceous plants containing grindelia is Asteraceae and other Mediterranean genera of similar plants are the same.
Although the herbaceous plant has a pungent taste, the leaves are mildly sweet, with a slight lemon flavor and a faint aroma. Since the leaves are made into a powder in order to be consumed, grindelia tops the list of most famous spice trees in the world, next to ginger. The aromatic oils of the herb are particularly valued for their therapeutic properties. These oils are extracted from the leaves of the herb by means of steam distillation and then used for various health conditions. In fact, it is reported that ancient Egyptians mixed honey, aloes, and grindelia ointments in water in order to heal wounds.
When it comes to medicinal purposes, the two main parts used for these preparations are the peels and seeds. The peels contain substances such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, lycopene, quercetin, rutin, and several others. The seeds are primarily used for detoxification, while the remaining parts used for seasoning are the parts of the herbaceous plant that contain the antioxidants. The antioxidants found in grindelia are powerful in battling free radicals. They also help reduce cell damage.
Grateelia buds are used for a variety of ailments and health problems within the United States. Among these conditions are menstrual disorders, arthritis, constipation, insomnia, inflammation, urinary tract infections, and digestive complaints such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. For this reason, grindelia was originally used by Native Americans for a variety of health concerns and is still used for that purpose today. The medicinal properties of this plant have led to a boost in sales of the herb throughout the United States. It is one of the most sold herbs in the country, as well as one of the most expensive.
Chop up fresh grindelia buds and dry the leaves to make a tea. Drink the tea in hot water every morning or evening. It is recommended that the drink is taken soon after meals or the stomach may think it is already full and thus not work properly.
Botanicals are one of the most important parts used in making this particular product. It can be traced back to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The plant family contains more than three hundred species of plants and the grindelia genus contains over two hundred. The botanical name of the herb is Morinda Citrifolia. This particular herb is native only to the United States but has widespread popularity in other countries because of its medicinal benefits.
The herb has many uses such as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant, diuretic, sedative and tonic. The single herb extract is the primary ingredient in a popular eye drop that is used to treat migraines. This popular product contains a mixture of other ingredients such as aspirin, magnesium, ginkgo biloba, aloe vera, and other botanical names. The product is also used to relieve coughs, fever, and eye discomfort. Another single herb extract that is widely used is called St. John’s wort, which is known to treat depression and anxiety and helps to relieve other problems that afflict the mind such as memory loss, fatigue, and low self esteem. Other products that contain this herb include appetite suppressants.