Yerba Santa Leaf (Eriodictyon californicum)

Dried leaves of Eriodictyon californicum, Yerba Santa or "Holy Herb," an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and montane forests of California, Oregon, and northern Mexico. The Spanish name "Yerba Santa" - given by Spanish missionaries who learned about the plant from Indigenous Californians - translates as "Holy Herb," reflecting the high regard for the plant's effects on respiratory support.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Eriodictyon californicum

Family

Boraginaceae

Common names

Yerba Santa, Holy Herb, Mountain Balm, Bear's Weed

Native region

California, Oregon, northern Mexico (chaparral and montane forests)

Traditional uses

Respiratory support, lung tonic, smoking blends

Studied compounds

Flavonoids (eriodictyol, homoeriodictyol), resins, volatile oils

What is Yerba Santa?

Yerba Santa is an evergreen shrub with glossy resinous leaves that grows on dry slopes throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. The leaves were used by multiple Indigenous Californian peoples (Maidu, Miwok, Yokuts, Pomo, and others) as a respiratory support herb - smoked, chewed, or prepared as tea - and Spanish missionaries adopted the use and named the plant "Holy Herb" for its effectiveness. The herb remains a centerpiece of Western herbal lung-support formulations.

How to Use Yerba Santa

For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves per 8 oz cup in hot water for 10 minutes; strain. The flavor is bitter and aromatic. For tincture: alcohol extracts the resinous compounds more effectively than water. For smoking blends: traditional ceremonial use in some Indigenous Californian smoking blends, often combined with mullein, white sage, and other regional plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yerba Santa used for?
Most traditionally for respiratory support; a centerpiece of Western herbal lung-support formulations.

Why is it called "Holy Herb"?
Spanish missionaries who learned about the plant from Indigenous Californians named it "Yerba Santa" (Holy Herb) for its respiratory effects.

Which Indigenous peoples used Yerba Santa?
Multiple Californian peoples, including Maidu, Miwok, Yokuts, and Pomo.

How does it taste?
Bitter and aromatic; characteristic of the resinous leaves. Combining with sweeter herbs improves palatability.

Can it be used in smoking blends?
Yes; traditional Indigenous Californian use included ceremonial smoking blends.

Is Yerba Santa sustainable?
The plant grows wild across much of California; sustainable harvesting practices vary by source.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.