Also known asEriodictyon californicum, Eriodictyon trichocalyx, Eriodictyonglutinosum, Holy Herb, Bearsweed, Consumptive’s Weed, Mountain Balm, andTarweed.IntroductionYerba santa is a sticky-leafed evergreen native to the southwesternUnited States. Unlike many other astringent herbs, yerba santa actuallyhas a pleasant taste. It is used as a food flavoring and as an additiveto herbal cough syrups to disguise the taste of other ingredients. Itwas given its name (“holy weed”) by Spanish priests impressed with itsmedicinal properties.ConstituentsBitter resins, eriodictyol, eriodictyonic acid, eriodictyonine, essential oil, tannins.Parts UsedDried leaves.Typical PreparationsCan be used as a tea, but must be allowed to steep for at least halfan hour to dissolve the resins. More often used as an alcohol tincture.SummaryYerba santa is a warm and pungent herb that is both astringent andstimulant. A study published in 1951 in the journal Archives ofBiochemistry notes that the resins are mildly antibacterial. Most of thenation’s supply of Yerba Santa comes from California with most standsexisting in the Sierra Nevada mountain chain and parts of southernCalifornia.PrecautionsSafety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or in persons with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.