Namaceae
Yerba Santa
Eriodictyon californicum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: California, Oregon, Baja California
Also known as: Mountain Balm, Consumptive's Weed, Gum Plant, Bear's Weed
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, asthma (relaxes bronchial muscle), coughs, colds. FDA approved as flavor modifier (homoeriodictyol masks bitterness in medications). Traditional California Native American respiratory herb.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, flavoring (masking bitter taste — FDA GRAS)
Active Constituents
Flavonoids (eriodictyol — primary, homoeriodictyol, chrysoeriol), essential oil (limonene, phellandrene), resin acids, tannins, formic acid
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🍯 Syrup
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Sticky resin on leaves — unusual texture. FDA GRAS as flavor modifier. Excellent for masking bitter herb tastes in formulas. Traditional plant of California Native Americans for all respiratory conditions. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid large doses in pregnancy. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions (rare). GI irritation at high doses. Generally well tolerated.