Overview
Respiratory: cough, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract mucous membrane inflammation; relaxing expectorant/antispasmodic support (as listed). Dermatologic: mild-to-moderate poison ivy dermatitis relief is specifically noted as a possible use.
Plant family
Asteraceae/Compositae
Parts used
Dried leaf
Actions
Expectorant · Antispasmodic
Affinities
Respiratory
Body systems
Respiratory
Tissue states
Traditional use
Long traditional use (including California Native American/Chumash) for asthma/bronchitis and pulmonary complaints. Historical materia medica lists include burns/blisters, herpes zoster, poison ivy dermatitis, and broad ‘stomachic/cardiac tonic’ style indications (per 1905 dispensatory summary).
Current use
Respiratory: cough, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract mucous membrane inflammation; relaxing expectorant/antispasmodic support (as listed). Dermatologic: mild-to-moderate poison ivy dermatitis relief is specifically noted as a possible use.
Preparation
Dried herb, fluid extract, tincture
Dosage guidance
Dried top/leaf: 4-6 g/day. Fluid extract: 3-6 g/day. Tincture (1:10 in 60-80% ethanol): 1.5-3 mL/day.
Cautions & contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient info). Avoid with Asteraceae allergies (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies). Can cause stomach irritation, diarrhea, kidney irritation. G. squarrosa can concentrate selenium (100-1000 ug/g) → selenium toxicity. No reports of G. camporum causing selenium poisoning. AHPA: Class 1.
Evidence notes
Page explicitly notes more clinical trials are needed for asthma/bronchitis/dermatitis efficacy. Selenium accumulation/toxicity risk is species-dependent (noted for G. squarrosa). Mechanisms and drug interaction evidence are limited.