Yerba Santa - Eriodictyon californicum — “The Holy Weed”

Long ago, the Native American tribes of California taught the priest who called it “Yerba Santa” about its medicinal magic. Legend says you start with bitter leaves, and — just like nature’s sweetest surprise — your tongue does a little dance as they turn sweet.

Use only when unwell: Yerba Santa isn’t your everyday sip; it’s the herbal equivalent of a first-aid kit. Reach for it when you need real relief.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

• Solvent: Boiling water or Alcohol
• Medicinal Parts: Leaves 
• Poultice for the win: Crush fresh leaves into a paste and apply to wounds, bruises, sore joints or muscle aches.
• Respiratory powerhouse: 1 tbsp dried leaves + 1 cup boiling water → steep 30 min → strain → 1 tsp, 3×/day 
• Synergy hack: Some old-school docs mixed Grindelia robusta (the gum plant) with Yerba Santa for cough syrups (1 part grindelia to 3 parts Yerba Santa; 10–30 drops, 3×/day). Use sparingly as Grindelia can be hard on kidneys.

Modern Science–Backed Benefits

• 🫁 Breathe Like a Boss: Opens airways, loosens mucus, tackles coughs, colds, bronchitis & pneumonia.
• 🤗 Calm Inflammation: Flavonoids (like eriodictyol) soothe joint and muscle pain.
• 🧠 Neuro-Ninja: Sterubin shows promise in protecting neurons and supporting memory (think Alzheimer’s research!).
• 💧 Gentle Flush: Mild diuretic action helps your body clear excess fluids & allergens.
• 🍵 Digestive Dynamo: Stimulates enzymes to beat bloating and soothe stomach upsets.
• 🌱 Topical TLC: As a poultice, speeds healing of minor wounds, swelling & sores.
• 🔥 Spirit Cleansing: Burn it as a smudge to clear negative vibes and uplift your energy.

“While it might sound like a New Age dream that a California shrub could help Alzheimer's, remember: aspirin, codeine, morphine and more are plant-based. Scientists now hope Yerba Santa can fight the factors behind Alzheimer’s.”

Product Details

• Quantity: ½ cup (≈24 tsp) loose tea → 24 cups of tea
• Flavor Profile: Sweet notes hidden beneath a slightly bitter, spicy, even salty complexity.
• Aromas range from licorice to “sardine surprise” (your nose, your call!)

Not into DIY? We've got you covered!

Alywillow’s ready-made formulas blend pure plants into botanicals products to make everyday better... .

• Minty Relief: 12+ anti-inflammatory and pain relief blended into our cleansers and moisturizers. Just wash and massage for fast, easy, and effective relief.
• Firefly Cleansers & Moisturizers: Neurological support with every use.
• Wounds and Infections: Use Fortify Plant Serum for intense situations and Warrior cleansers and moisturizers will save most daily issues. 
• Medicinal Inhalers: Respiratory support in every inhale.
  
• Herbal Chart: See more herbal options here on our Herbal Chart.

Awareness:

• Ask our team: Wondering what is best for you? Just ask us!
• Avoid your eyes: If it gets into your eyes, flush with water or full fat milk (for oil based products, including essential oils).
  
• Healthy Life: Our products offer many great benefits, yet they are not enough to restore your health and joy by themselves. Read 10 Steps to Healthy Skin to learn how your health and happiness are affected by your life choices.
  
• Shifting colors, scents, and textures: Our products are made from plants and plants vary from one harvest to the next. This may cause a variation in color, scent, or texture in our products. It is completely normal and expected from Truly Natural Products.
• Cruelty-free and Dog Friendly: We create over 150 VEGAN products from plants and minerals. They are 100% natural and contain no synthetic chemicals. We don’t test them on animals, but you can review our Dog and Pet information to understand more how your pets can benefit from using Alywillow products.
• Pregnant & Nursing women: Avoid this product. Many Alywillow products are safer than anything you can find on the market, however, some plants should not be used during this time. Please refer to our Pregnant and Nursing page for more information.
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• Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and therefore should not be taken as medical advice. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions. If you are in doubt, always consult your doctor.
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