Eriodictyon californicum

Eriodictyon californicum is a species of plant within the family Namaceae. It is also known as yerba santa (sacred herb), mountain balm, bear's weed, gum bush, gum plant, and consumptive weed. Less common names include Herbe des Montagnes, Herbe à Ourse, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hierba Santa, Holy Herb, and Tarweed.

Description

An evergreen shrub. It grows 2.5 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The leaves are sword shaped and 15 cm long. The leaves are covered with a fragrant resin. They are white and woolly underneath. The edges can be wavy or have teeth. The flowers are funnel shaped with 5 lobes. They are white or lilac. The appear in clusters in summer. The fruit are 4-valved capsules.

Edible Uses

The fresh leaves can be chewed for their refreshing taste and to relieve thirst. Fresh or dried leaves also make an aromatic, sweet-tasting tea. A leaf extract is used as a flavoring in baked goods, sweets, ice cream, and soft drinks.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are chewed to alleviate thirst. They are also used to make tea. An extract from the leaves is used to flavour baked goods, candy, ice cream and soft drinks.

Medicinal Uses

Known by the name Yerba Santa (meaning Holy Weed), this plant is a well-regarded domestic remedy from southwestern North America, particularly valued as an expectorant and ingredient in many patent cough medicines. The leaves are an aromatic, pleasant-tasting tonic herb that reduces spasms, expels phlegm, and lowers fevers. They are especially recommended for chest and respiratory conditions including asthma and hay fever. A bitter leaf tea serves as a tonic and stimulating balsamic expectorant. A steam bath made from the branches and leaves has been used to treat rheumatism, and a leaf decoction can be applied as a wash for sore or painfully fatigued limbs. To make a natural mouthwash, leaves are rolled into balls, dried in the sun, then chewed — initially bitter, the flavor quickly turns sweet when followed by a drink of water. Leaves are harvested in summer and dried for later use. The plant has also been smoked as a remedy for asthma.

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant. It needs a temperature above 5-7°C.

Where It Grows

Europe, France, Germany, Mexico, North America*, USA,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or from semi-ripe cuttings off side shoots.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle. Grow young plants under glass for at least their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer. Provide protection from cold for at least the first two winters outdoors.

Other Uses

The leaves have been woven into skirts and aprons. This is considered a scented plant.

Notes

There are 9 Eriodictyon species. It is used in medicine. Also put in the family Hydrophyllaceae.

Also Known As

Hierba santa

References (9)

• Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 204
• W. H. Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. bound. 2(1):148. 1858 ("1859")
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 121
• Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 339
• Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 1885

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