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Is Yerba Santa perennial?
Yerba santa, the “holy herb,” has as many names (e.g., mountain balm, bear weed, consumptive’s weed, and gum plant, among others) as it does uses. This perennial, evergreen shrub grows to a height of 3–5 ft. and is distinctive for its lanceolate, serrated, leathery and sticky leaves.
Is Yerba Santa toxic?
Yerba santa is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in amounts commonly found in food or when taken by mouth for medicinal reasons. However, the potential side effects are not known.
How do you grow yerba santa?
Soak seeds overnight in willow tea, then plop little pinches of then down on surface of sandy soil in a flat and press in firmly, then keep warm and in the light and water only when the surface becomes dry, until germination occurs, which takes about 17 days.
How do you harvest Yerba Santa?
Harvest the vibrant, new-growth leaves from early to late summer. Cut the twig ends just above an outward-facing bud to encourage bushier growth. Lay the stems with attached leaves flat to dry. Turn them regularly so the leaves don’t stick together and turn brown.
What does yerba santa smell like?
The flavor and smell of Yerba Santa is complex, sweet yet bitter and and feels medicinal and ‘thick. ‘ It invokes something magical and indescribable, and is hard to put into words.
What is yerba santa?
Yerba Santa, also known by its scientific name Eriodictyon californicum, is a flowering shrub measuring up to eight feet off the ground with white or lavender flowers. It natively grows in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Northern Mexico.
How long does yerba santa take to work?
However, traditional use dictates 1-2 mL of Yerba Santa extract can be taken every 4 hours for up to ten days, and it can be taken by itself or mixed with juice or water. If making a poultice, it can be used by laying warm, damp leaves on the affected area 1-2 times daily for up to two weeks.
Can you drink yerba santa tea?
There are no know reports of toxicity or maximum dosages of Yerba Santa. Some suggest drinking a tea brewed from the leaves of the plant regularly to break up mucus and prevent respiratory illnesses. A tea is generally brewed using one teaspoon of dried leaves per one cup of water, and then it should steep for ten minutes.
Are there any drug interactions with yerba santa?
There are possible drug interactions due to the way Yerba Santa works with the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme, and it is advised to consult with a doctor before using Yerba Santa. There may be possible interactions if taking Lithium concurrently with Yerba Santa in that the body many not be able to filter out Lithium properly.