Yerba Santa: Eriodictyon californicum (Hook. & Arn.) Torr.
Why Yerba Santa? Yerba santa has been used for centuries by the Chumash and other California native tribes for a number of uses. It has a sweet and slightly bitter taste. Yerba santa is often used as a flavoring agent in beer and food. It is also used to mask the flavor of unpleasant pharmaceuticals.
Quality Assured: Our experts here at the Apothecary Shoppe personally evaluate every herb through taste, touch, and smell to assure that you are receiving the best botanicals suitable for use.
Benefits: Because there is not adequate substantive scientific research as defined by the FDA we, are unable to provide any guidance on how to use this herb. We suggest you do your own research.
Cautions and Contraindications: Yerba santa is generally considered safe when used appropriately in the proper amounts. There is insufficient information to determine if it is safe for use while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is advisable to use with caution under the care of a trusted herbal practitioner.
Formula:
YERBA SANTA TINCTURE:
Yerba Santa Eriodictyon californicum dried powdered: 1 ounce
Alcohol such as vodka or even apple cider vinegar: 1 pint
Mix herb with alcohol or cider vinegar in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid, such as a canning or preserving jar.
Keep the tincture in a tightly closed jar in a warm spot (but not in the sun), for approximately two weeks.
Shake the tincture two to three times every day.
After two weeks*, strain the tincture through pharmaceutical filter paper, a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or muslin. You may need to strain your tincture two or even three times to remove all of the herb solids. Leaving solids in your tincture may lead to mold and spoilage.
Store your tincture in a dark bottle or cupboard.
Half a pint of tincture should equal the medicinal potency of one ounce of the fresh herb, so approximately one teaspoon will equal the medicinal strength of one cup of infusion.
The dose is small, approximately 20 to 40 drops three times a day, although this varies with each herb. Dilute in approximately one-quarter cup of water to take.
Tinctures can be used topically in water for bathing wounds, soaking feet, in the bath, or as a household disinfectant.
*Note that the consensus is that the minimum time to extract herbs into a tincture is two weeks, and the maximum time is three months. Extraction time also depends on the plant material and the percentage of alcohol needed. Most above ground plant parts only need about 40% alcohol and will extract very quickly. Tougher roots and rhizomes typically need a higher percentage of alcohol and longer time to extract.
