Yerba Santa

Eight species of woolly or smooth, sticky, evergreen shrubs make up this genus, which occurs in southwest N America and Mexico. Eriodictyon is from the Greek erion, "wool", and dictyon, "net", referring to the white hairs and network of veins on the leaf undersides. Though ornamental and aromatic, Eriodictyon species are difficult to grow and seldom seen in cultivation outside their native ranges. Eriodictyon californicum is most important in the traditional medicine of Mendocino County, California. Rich in flavonoids and resin, it was revered as a holy herb (yerba santa) and found in every household medicine chest. Spanish missionaries learned its uses from the native N Americans and it was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (1894-1905) and (1916-1947), after which it entered the U.S. National Formulary as an expectorant.

Tender shrub with lanceolate leaves, to 15cm (6in) long, which have smooth, resinous upper surfaces, white, woolly undersides, and wavy or toothed margins. Lilac to white, 5-lobed, funnel-shaped flowers, about 1cm (½in) long, appear in clusters in summer, followed by 4-valved capsules.


Common Name:
Yerba Santa
Other Names:
Bear's Weed, Gum Leaves, Tar Weed, Mountain Balm, Wild Balsam
Botanical Name:
Eriodictyon californicum
Genus:
Eriodictyon
Family:
Hydrophyllaceae
Cultivation:
Sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil in dry, sunny conditions. Thrives on slopes in full sun. If required, trip to shape in spring or summer, cutting into new or one-year-old wood only.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring or autumn; by semi-ripe cuttings of side shoots in summer.
Harvest:
Leaves are picked in late spring; used fresh or dried for infusions and liquid extracts.
Native Location:
California and Oregon
Height:
2.5m (8ft)
Width:
2m (6ft)
Hardiness:
Min. 5-7°C (41-45°F)
Parts Used:
Leaves
Chemical Constituents:
  • Formic acid
  • Pentatriacontane eriodictyol
  • Resin
  • Tannic acid
  • Tannins
  • Properties:
    An aromatic, pleasant-tasting, tonic herb that reduces spasms, expels phlegm, and lowers fever.
    Known Effects:
  • Masks taste of bitter medicines
  • Decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus in lungs and bronchial tubes
  • Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally
  • Possible Additional Effects:
  • May treat hay fever and other nasal allergies
  • May treat hemorrhoids
  • Warnings and Precautions:
    Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis
    Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or nonprescription drugs
    Pregnancy:
    Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
    Breastfeeding:
    Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
    Infants and children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
    Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
  • Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to do

    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Nausea or vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, and hay fever. An ingredient in over-the-counther cough mixtures; added to better medicines to improve the taste. Smoked by native N Americans for asthma and chewed for mouth hygiene.
    Culinary Uses:
    Fresh or dried leaves make an aromatic, sweet, pleasant-tasting tea.
    Economic Uses:
    Leaf extract is used to flavor baked goods, candy, ice cream, and soft drinks.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 204
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements, The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp.474-475