This last summer I gathered many gumweed flower and buds oozing with their medicinal white resin. Their sticky resin is the medicine (I use olive oil to get it off my fingers)! This little roadside weed is amazing for all kinds of respiratory infections. It has antimicrobial properties, is a good expectorant and antispasmodic. I tinctured some, and with the rest I placed in a small sauce pan, covered with honey and simmered on very low heat for a few hours. I strained it while it was still warm and placed into small jars. The result was a beautiful grindelia (Latin name) infused honey, perfect for adding to any herbal tea. You could even add it to an infected cut to help it heal faster. Gumweed is generally very strong in flavor, but when it is added to honey it has a very pleasant taste.
