Yerba santa

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is a species of flowering plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to the western United States, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forest. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional herbal medicine.

Description

Yerba Santa is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are lanceolate to elliptic, and are covered in a sticky resin. The flowers are tubular, white to pale lavender, and are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches.

Distribution and habitat

Yerba Santa is native to the western United States, from Oregon to Baja California, and east to Nevada. It is found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forest. It is often found on dry, rocky slopes and in canyons.

Uses

Yerba Santa has been used in traditional herbal medicine by Native American tribes, including the Chumash, Ohlone, and Pomo. The leaves were used to treat respiratory ailments, such as coughs and colds, and to alleviate pain from bruises and sprains. The plant is also used in modern herbal medicine, and extracts from the leaves have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Conservation

While Yerba Santa is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitat is being lost to development and agriculture. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its habitat and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• Medicinal plants of the American West