American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

It has a wide reputation among the slave women of the South as an
abortifacient. It was used by them in the form of a strong infusion of the
green root and is of value in suppression of the menses from whatever
cause. It produces firm, regular and strong uterine contractions, much
resembling ustilago maydis and cimicifuga in its action. It may be used in
uterine inertia to increase the natural expulsive power of the womb and
prevent the dangers of post-partum hemorrhage. It is a hemostatic of
some power being used principally to control the hemorrhage of uterine
fibroids and incipient cancer. It is a valuable agent for metrorrhagia and
menorrhagia, but is not in general use, as the uterine tonics and
stimulants in common use accomplish these results in their wider
beneficial influence.
Grindelia robusta.
Synonyms-Wild Sunflower, Gum plant.
PREPARATIONS—
Fluid Extract of the leaves and flowering tops. Dose one-half to
one fluid dram.
Solid Extract. Dose, 5 to 15 grains.
Specific Medicine Grindelia—Dose, from two to ten drops.
Physiological Action—The influence of the agent is exhibited on the
heart, at first by a quickened pulse, subsequently by retarding it. It
elevates the blood pressure at first, subsequently lowering it. In overdoses
it is toxic, the specific influence of the agent on the respiratory nerves
being shown by paralysis of the muscles of respiration.
Specific Symptomatology—The agent is specific to asthmatic breathing.
It must be given in full and frequent doses, and the effects, although not
striking from a single dose, are soon evident and are more or less
permanent. It soon relieves the effort of breathing and produces
expectoration, but on continued use the entire train of symptom slowly
abate, and if persisted in the paroxysms do not soon recur.
Therapy—In spasmodic asthma, pure and simple, with complete relief
between attacks, it is not the remedy. It is an excellent antispasmodic
expectorant in all chronic spasmodic bronchial coughs, and in chronic
bronchitis, Asthmatic bronchitis is often benefited, from the first dose, by
its use. In whooping cough it is of value in combination with other more
specific agents.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 240