Eriodictyon californicum is a species of plant within the Boraginaceae family. It is also known as yerba santa, mountain balm, consumptive’s weed and bear weed
Contents
Uses
The leaves have historically been used to treat asthma, upper respiratory infections and allergic rhinitis. The Concow tribe calls the plant wä-sä-got’-ō (Konkow language) The Chumash used it as a poultice for wounds, insect bites, broken bones, and sores. It was also used in a steam bath to treat hemorrhoids.
Benefits
For centuries Eriodictyon californicum was used by Northwest Native American healers for both medicinal and spiritual use.
Medicinally it was used in the treatment of respiratory illnesses, and to heal bruises and cuts. The sticky leaf of the plant was often used to seal a wound until a better bandage could be devised.
Eriodictyon californicum was also utilized in the treatment of rheumatic pain and tuberculosis.
Spiritual use of the herb has led to its common names like holy herb or sacred herb. Eriodictyon californicum was believed to assist the soul in the process of awakening, creating deep soul experiences.
Eriodictyon californicum is still used today to treat respiratory diseases. It is a popular expectorant and is often recommended in the treatment of coughs, colds, asthma, allergy attacks, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and to reduce fever.
You will find Eriodictyon californicum in many herbal cough syrups. It is taken internally as an overall health tonic that helps combat fatigue and protect against the effects of stress. It can be helpful in treating spasms.
Topical uses of Eriodictyon californicum extract include its use in the treatment of bruises, sprains, wounds, insect bites, or joint pain.
Eriodictyon californicum is undergoing research as a substitute for tobacco use, and as a moisturizer for the skin.
Cautions
Eriodictyon californicum is believed to be safe for most adults when taken orally or used topically. The potential side effects have not been studied.
Because this herb has not been studied for side effects it is recommended that you not use Eriodictyon californicum if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Interactions
- None are recorded.
Other names
holy herb, eriodictyon, eriodictyol, Eriodictyon glutinosum, tarweed, consumptive weed, bear’s weed, mountain balm, gum plant, gum bush, bearsweed, sacred herb, and Wigandia californicum.
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriodictyon_californicum#Food_use
HomeRemedyCentral, http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/herbal-remedies/herb/yerba-santa.html