Herb: Hairy Yerba Santa


Latin name: Eriodictyon trichocalyx


Family: Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)



Medicinal use of Hairy Yerba Santa:

The leaves are blood purifier and febrifuge. A poultice of the freshly pounded leaves has been applied to relieve the pain of rheumatic joints. A decoction of the leaves has been taken internally to treat TB, sore throats, rheumatism, asthma, catarrh, fevers, coughs and colds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Dry hills.

Edible parts of Hairy Yerba Santa:

The fresh or dried leaves have been used as a tea. The leaves have been used as a wayside nibble to quench the thirst.

Other uses of the herb:

Planted as a fire-break and also for erosion control in California.

Propagation of Hairy Yerba Santa:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry hills.

Known hazards of Eriodictyon trichocalyx:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.