YERBA SANTA

 

BOTANICAL NAME, Eriodictyon californicum, E. glutinosum, Wigandia californicum

 

FAMILY NAME, Hydrophyllaceae

 

COMMON NAME, Muntain balm, Gum bush, Bears weed, Tarweed

 

HISTORY

In the 19th century this herb was considered a “blood purifier” and a remedy for rheumatism and tuberculosis.  American Indians smoked or chewed the leaves as a treatment for asthma and other lung ailments.  They also used the leaves as a tea for cold and as a mouthwash.

 

TRADITIONAL USES

Promotes saliva output and stimulates gastric activity.

Relieves bronchitis and chronic laryngitis.

Eases chronic pulmonary affections such as hay fever and asthma.

Reduces haemorrhoids.

Helpful for chronic catarrh of the bladder.

Disguises taste of quinine (syrup).

Poultice for bruises, sprains, wounds and insect bites.

 

GROWING

Low, shrubby evergreen plant growing 2-4ft high.  The smooth stem is usually branched near the ground and is covered with a peculiar glutinous resin which covers all the upper side of the plant.  Leaves are thick and leathery and yellow in colour.  Bluish flowers in clusters at the top of the plant 

PARTS USED

Dried leaves.

 

ACTIONS

Bitter tonic

Expectorant

Antispasmodic

Aromatic

Febrifuge

 

GENERAL

The taste is balsamic and sweetish, afterwards acrid but not bitter.  The odour is aromatic and agreeable.

 

COMBINATIONS

With Grindelia for hay fever and asthma.

 

CONTRAS

None known.