Description :
Yerba Santas are bushes between two and ten feet in height. The bushes have long, dark, green, lance-shaped leaves that are sticky (resinous) on top and felt-like underneath. Blue or purple funnel-shaped flowers terminate the ends of the stems. Teas made from the leaves have historically been used to support bronchial spasms. Smoking the leaves along with the tea is supposed to increase the effectiveness in these cases. When tinctured, the leaves can be used in support of the body’s natural defense against bladder infections.
History and Folklore:
According to Native American History, Smoking the dried leaves Yerba Santa was thought to be a good asthma treatment. The fresh leaves also make a tasty chewing gum.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Gather the leaves and straight branches in spring or early summer when the foliage is at its peak. Pick off the flower branches before drying. Be sure to separate the branches frequently during the drying process to prevent the leaves from sticking together and forming a wad. Once dry, strip off the leaves and discard the branches.
Precautions:
Yucca tea can have a laxative effect in some people. Drinking a lot of it has been historically used to stimulate childbirth. Do not take if pregnant.
Herbal Actions:
Expectorant, bronchial dilator, mild decongestant
Other Names:
Mountain Balm, Holy Herb, Bear Plant
Related Species:
Eriodictian angustifolium, E. californium, E. crassifolium, E. tomentosum, E. traskiae, E. trichocalyx
Ingredients: Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Sophia –