YERBA SANTA



Sticky evergreen shrub growing to 8 ft (2.5 m). Its narrow lance shaped leaves are shiny green on the upper side and hairy white underneath. Trumpet shaped white or blue flowers grow in clusters.

The name yerba santa (holy weed) was given to this plant by Spanish colonists, who learned of its medicinal virtues from Native Americans. Traditionally, the leaves were infused and taken for coughs, colds, sore throats, mucus, and asthma. The infusion was also used as a wash to ease fever, and the mashed leaves were applied as a poultice to treat sores. The Eclectic Medical Journal featured an article on yerba santa in 1875, and it was listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States in 1894.

PARTS USED

Leaves.

USES

This aromatic herb, with its pleasant sweet taste, is a valuable expectorant that can be used to treat tracheitis, bronchitis, and asthma, and similar respiratory tract ailments.

Other medical uses - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD ).

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