Yerba Santa

Identity

Common Name

Yerba Santa

Scientific Name

Eriodictyon californicum

Botanical Family

Boraginaceae

Native Region

Western North America (California, Oregon)

Cultivation Regions

California, Oregon, Baja California

Plant Parts Used

Leaves

Synonyms

Holy Herb, Mountain Balm, Bear's Weed

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A shrub of the western American hills with narrow lance-shaped leathery leaves coated in a sticky resin, and clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers; the leaves are the part used.

Historical Background

Yerba santa ('holy herb') is a resinous-leaved shrub of California's hills, cherished by Indigenous peoples — Chumash, Cahuilla, Miwok — for respiratory and digestive comfort. Spanish missionaries adopted its name, and its sticky leaves remain a valued respiratory tea and syrup herb.

Earliest recorded uses: Indigenous Californian (Chumash, Cahuilla, Miwok) traditions for centuries; Spanish settlers translated its name to 'holy herb.'

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Resinous, earthy, slightly bitter, green

Tea Information

Research Summary

Yerba santa has a long Indigenous tradition for respiratory and digestive comfort. Clinical evidence is insufficient; preclinical work shows antioxidant and expectorant activity, but it is not a treatment for asthma, cough, infection, or any disease.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources