Health & Well-Being A-Z

Gumweed

Gumweed plant
Description

Gumweed is an herb. People dry the leaves and top of the plant to make medicine.

People use gumweed for conditions such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, and skin conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Cough.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the nose, sinuses, and throat.
  • Poison ivy when applied to the skin.
  • Skin conditions when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of gumweed for these uses.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Gumweed is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. But it can cause some side effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gumweed is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gumweed is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed, daisies, and related plants: Gumweed may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking gumweed.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Gumweed interacts with any medicines. Before taking Gumweed, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of gumweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for gumweed. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

August Flower, Bulky Rubber Weed, Grindelia, Grindelia camporum, Grindelia Herb, Grindelia robusta, Grindelia squarrosa, Grindeliae Herba, Grindélie, Grindélie Robuste, Grindélie Squarreuse, Gum Weed, Gumweed Herb, Herbe à Gomme, Rosin Weed, Tar Weed.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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