Yerba Santa
Yerba santa (Eriodictyon angustifolium) is also called holy
herb, sacred herb, and mountain balm. It is a woody
bush that grows to between two and 7 feet tall in the dry plains, slopes,
and ridges of Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Colorado.
The American Indians smoked or chewed the leaves of yerba santa as a
treatment for asthma. In fact, it is still used by herbal enthusiasts
for bronchial congestion, asthma and hayfever, as well as aiding in loosening
and expelling phlegm. It works to dilate bronchial tubes, so it is useful
to drink a cup of the tea to ease asthma and allergy attacks.
A poultice of the mashed leaves can be used for sores and wounds.
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