Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is a shrub native to North America. Its leaf is used in traditional Native American medicine.
Yerba santa contains chemicals that might loosen mucus in the chest. It also contains chemicals that might help with weight loss.
People use yerba santa for respiratory infections, fever, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using yerba santa for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Yerba santa is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information available to know if yerba santa is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if yerba santa is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba santa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Yerba Santa interacts with any medicines. Before taking Yerba Santa, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of yerba santa might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Bear's Weed, Consumptive's Weed, Eriodictyon, Eriodictyon californicum, Eriodictyon glutinosum, Gum Bush, Gum Plant, Herbe des Montagnes, Herbe à Ourse, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hierba Santa, Holy Herb, Holy Weed, Mountain Balm, Sacred Herb, Santa herba, Tarweed, Wigandia californicum.
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