Yerba Santa

Yerba santa, aka Eriodictyon californicum is a native shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. In our area it sports lavender flowers, but the flowers of other varieties can be white. The Native Americans used the leaves for a poultice, for colds and flus, stomach upset, and for respiratory issues.  The Native Americans also used it in a smudge bundle to honor ancestors and to ensure health and increase physical prowess. This was a very valuable herb for the Native Americans, as the name suggests. Translated, it means, “Holy Herb”.