(Mexican Mullein / Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)
Gordolobo translates to “mullein” in Spanish, and if you are familiar with mullein you will notice Gordolobo looks completely different. That’s because it is! This specific plant is part of the Gnaphalium tribe in the Pseudognaphalium genus. It differs from the mullein found in the states or Europe, which is part of the Verbascum genus. Gordolobo is considered Mexican mullein, however it is also known as rabbit tobacco, cudweed, or everlasting. This plant has many names!
The plants we will be talking about are those used in Mexico. Grodolobo has similar actions as the mullein in the Verbascum genus and is used to treat similar ailments, such as respiratory and digestive conditions. Traditionally, Grodolobo is used for inflammation in mucosa membranes, sore throat, bronchitis, colds/flu, fever, asthma, allergies, stomachaches, diarrhea, hypertension, and for its antimicrobial actions. Various species have been studied and used that are considered Gordolobo, therefore, it is challenging to look at one specific plant. In the Gnaphalium genus alone there are over 200 plants found in Mexico, Central and South America, North America, Europe, and East Asia.
The aerial parts of the plants are used for tea infusions, adding to honey to make an electuary or, tincturing. The taste of the plant provides insights into its many actions on the body. Herbalist Mathew Wood breaks down the energetics and taste of Rabbit Tobacco (Gnaphalium obtusifolium), the same plant found(and studied) in Mexico, known as Gordolobo. He speaks on the plant being slightly astringent, aromatic(spicy), and sweet. Astringent herbs tighten tissues and expel moisture. Aromatic plants indicate they can act on the respiratory and digestive systems. The plant has a slight spice to it, which suggests it is warming and energizing. Its sweet taste lets us know that the plant may be nourishing and moistening. This describes the plant to be warming, slightly stimulating, slightly drying, and moistening.
In a study done on P. obtusifolium, researchers found a range of compounds that support Gordolobo's traditional uses. Below are a few terpenes(aromatic compounds) found in P. obtusifolium.
Linalool: Also found in lavender, it is shown to be antimicrobial, reduce inflammation, ease anxiety, relax the nervous system, and act as an antidepressant.
L-Menthol: This compound gives the many plants in the mint family their aroma. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitussive, and antispasmodic. Gordolobo isn’t strong in this aroma, however, it containing this compound does complement its actions on the respiratory.
Beta-Caryophyllene: Mainly found in peppers, giving them their spice. Interestingly this compound interacts with our endocannabinoid system, specifically our CB-2 receptors. These are the same receptors that cannabinoids interact with, assisting in reducing neuroinflammation, neuropathic pain, reducing anxiety, and even inflammation associated with our gastrointestinal tract.
Humulene: Has been described as spicy, earthy, and woody. Humulene is hops main compound! Hops in general are a bit sedative and relaxing, explaining why folks have also smoked Gordolobo.
Other terpenes found in Gordolobo are pinene, limonene, and cadinene.
Gnaphlium liebmannii, also considered Gordolobo, was found to have two compounds that relax the muscles in the respiratory system and reduce the response from histamines, these compounds are called gnaphalin A (5,7-dihidroxi-3,8-dimetoxiflavona) and gnaphalin B(3,5-dihidroxi-7,8-dimetoxiflavona). These compounds have also been found in other Gnaphlium plants. They are shown to relax not only the respiratory system muscles but also smooth muscles in general. Smooth muscles consist of those in our respiratory, digestive, and hypertension. Gnaphalium oxyphyllum has antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, Streptococcus, and candida.
Recommended Dosing:
Aerial parts:
Dried: 1 tbsp per 8oz of boiling water, 2-4x/day. Steep for 5 - 15 minutes.
Make a 32oz infusion to have throughout the day. For chronic conditions, consume 4x a day until symptoms alleviate (15 days or more). For colds, Gordolobo can also be used in a bath. It is important to use a fine strainer for this infusion because the fine hairs on Gordolobo can agitate the throat. Some folks who are allergic to daisies may be sensitive to this plant as well.
Resources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0731708522000723
https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7159&context=etd
https://www.woodherbs.com/gnaphalium.html
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PSOB3
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/gordolobo-everlasting.htmlhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6270383/ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00472/full
From MexicoOn Gnaphalium oxyphyllum: https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2007-11242022000400928#t4
https://www.zaragoza.unam.mx/wp-content/Portal2015/Licenciaturas/qfb/tesis/tesis_rosas_canales.pdf https://www.medigraphic.com/pdfs/forense/mmf-2020/mmfs204r.pdf
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