Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx)

All of our herbs come from certified organic sources or trusted wildcrafters.

ALSO KNOWN AS:  Bear's Weed, Consumptive's Weed, Gum Bush, Mountain Balm, Sacred Herb, and Tarweed 

PLANT FAMILY:  Borage 

PART(S) USED:  Dried flowers  

OVERVIEW: Yerba Santa is an evergreen shrub indigenous to California, Oregon, and Northern Mexico. It has a lovely, uplifting smell and has been used traditionally as both a tea and a smudge/incense for purification, protection, and the release of emotional pain.  

TRADITIONAL USES: Some ancient modalities reported that Yerba Santa was indicated for those who hold in the water element and carry emotions of grief, melancholy, depression or despair. It is said that these emotions are stored in the deeper cavities of the body, particularly in the heart/ lung/respiratory region. It was believed that respiratory illnesses, addiction to tobacco, and various allergies were common physical manifestations of this soul imbalance.  

Some historical evidence reports the use of Yerba Santa in the treatment of respiratory and bladder conditions including coughs, colds, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, fever, and dry mouth. It has also been used to relieve muscle spasms, loosen phlegm, as a tonic, and topically in the treatment of bruises and rheumatic pain. 

The website “A Modern Herbal” by Mrs. M. Grieves notes that Yerba Santa has been used to treat bronchial and laryngeal troubles as well as chronic pulmonary afflictions. The site likewise advises it for haemorrhoids and chronic catarrh of the bladder.  

STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in a dry cupboard away from light. 

PRECAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS:  

• Use at your own risk.  
• CAUTION: Yerba Santa interacts with Lithium. 
• Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have an existing medical condition, have allergies, or are on any medications.  

WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only, has not been evaluated by Health Canada, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

HEALTH CANADA REFERENCE:  

No information regarding Yerba Santa is currently available on the Health Canada website.