Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant, mucolytic, antispasmodic
Application
tincture, tea
Yerba Santa
(Eriodictyon californicum)
Also know as Bear's Weed
Botanical Information
A sticky, shiny-leaved aromatic resinous shrub of dry hillsides and deserts with sprays of lavender flowers in the Waterleaf familly.
Working with Yerba Santa
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb for tea, syrups
Christopher Hobbs:
“Yerba santa is an expectorant herb useful for asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, and moist coughs. It is also used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion (chewing on tender young yerba santa leaves is good for digestion). The herb has an agreeable, bitter, and resinous taste. The tincture is useful to mask the objectionable taste of very bitter herbs, such as cascara sagrada.
Grindelia, another well-known spicy warm respiratory plant, is often blended with yerba santa.
Yerba Santa has a taste of SPICY, AROMATIC and a temperature of VERY WARM.”
Historical Uses
- Native to western North America, yerba santa has been traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for respiratory issues, coughs, colds, and to treat various ailments like sore throats and chest congestion.
- The plant’s leaves were used as a medicinal tea or poultice, often considered a “sacred herb” for its healing properties.
Modern Clinical Uses
- Herbalists and Naturopaths: Commonly used to treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It’s also used as a general tonic for the respiratory system.
- Chemistry: Yerba santa contains flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Pharmacology: The plant’s compounds may act as mucolytics (help break down mucus), which may help with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases.
Clinical Trials
- Limited clinical trials have been conducted on yerba santa. Some studies suggest its potential benefits for respiratory conditions, but evidence is not robust enough to support widespread clinical use.
- There are some studies on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but further research is needed to confirm therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings.
Conclusion
Yerba santa is a versatile herb with a long history of use for respiratory ailments. While it has promising pharmacological properties, further clinical trials are needed to establish more definitive clinical guidelines. As always, consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for proper use, especially when considering long-term or high-dosage treatments.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Generally regarded as safe for short-term use in appropriate doses.
No major side effects are commonly associated with yerba santa, though it may cause mild stomach upset in some individuals.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using yerba santa unless approved by a healthcare provider due to insufficient safety data.
Consult with a healthcare provider or herbalist for appropriate dosing, particularly for chronic conditions.
Conditions treated with Yerba Santa
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
warming expectorant
Application
tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant, antibacterial
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antitussive, expectorant
Application
tea, tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
