Yerba del manso

A genus of one species of herbaceous perennial that occurs in the SW United States and Mexico. Though found in arid regions, Anemopsis californica grows in marshy ground near springs and water courses, thriving in wet clay, alkaline bogs, and saline swamps where few other plants can survive. Though seldom seen in cultivation, it is an excellent subject for the bog garden, or for containers in ponds. It has a long tradition of use in its homelands among Pueblo Indians, and people of Spanish descent, and was regularly used by Eclectic physicians and homeopaths in the early 20th century. Toward the close of the 20th century, Anemopsis californica came to notice as a possible substitute for goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) when the latter became increasingly scarce and expensive.

Low-growing perennial, with a camphor-eucalyptus aroma, that forms large colonies by means of stolons (runners), each plant with broadly elliptic leaves, about 15cm (6in) long, often with a reddish tint to the stalks and margins. Anemone-like flowers with a conical center and white, petal-like bracts, appear singly on stalks to 55cm (22in) long, in summer.


Common Name:
Yerba del manso
Other Names:
Yerba mansa, swamp root
Botanical Name:
Anemopsis californica
Genus:
Anemopsis
Family:
Saururaceae
Cultivation:
Constantly moist to wet soil, including heavy clay, in full sun.
Propagation:
By separation of rooted plantlets that form along the stolons, or by seed sown when ripe in pots of soil mix that should be stood in water.
Harvest:
Roots are dug at any time (though most potent when dormant), wilted, then sliced into small sections and dried for tinctures and powder. Leaves are picked at any time for infusions.
Native Location:
SW United States and Mexico
Height:
15cm (6in)
Width:
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z8-10
Parts Used:
Roots, leaves
Properties:
A healing, diuretic, anti-inflammatory herb with antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for peptic and duodenal ulcers, cystitis, urethritis, arthritis, amebic dysentery. Externally for slow-healing wounds, boils, anal fissure, diaper rash, and muscular or joint aches and pains. Leaves are much weaker than roots but work well for healing baths and washes.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 121