What is yerba santa? Yerba santa is a shrub-like evergreen that grows abundantly in the dry hills of Northern Mexico and California. The plant is also known as Bear's Weed, Consumptive's Weed, Gum Bush and, as its name translates to Holy Herb in Spanish. What is yerba santa sage used for? Historically, yerba santa is used to produce yerba santa tea, tonics, syrups and alcohol-based tinctures. When considering yerba santa, consider the yerba Santa health benefits that include aiding in alleviating coughs, colds, bruises and insect bites.

a bit of botany

a little botanical information on yerba santa

description
The plant Eriodictyon californicum is a species within the Hydrophyllaceae family.

Yerba santa grows as a shrub one to three meters tall, and is typically found in clonal stands. A sticky resin coats the smaller branches and foliage which are often dusted with black fungi. Yerba santa is known to be an occasional source of nutrition for grazing wildlife and livestock.

Its narrow leaves are approximately 15 centimeters long and somewhat lance-shaped. They have an odor generally considered unpleasant and a bitter taste. The plant's inflorescence is a cluster of bell-shaped white to purplish flowers. Each flower growing between one and two centimeters in length.

common names & nomenclature
Yerba santa is Spanish for “holy weed” or “holy herb.” Whereas Eriodictyon is a Greek compound word meaning “woolly net". This refers to the leaves' fuzzy underside.

Also known as:
yerba santa, mountain balm, bear's weed, consumptive's weed, gum bush