Yerba santa
Yerba santa

Background

Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is a shrub native to North America. Its leaf is used in traditional Native American medicine.

Yerba santa contains chemicals that might loosen mucus in the chest. It also contains chemicals that might help with weight loss.

People use yerba santa for respiratory infections, fever, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Yerba santa is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information available to know if yerba santa is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if yerba santa is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba santa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using yerba santa for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of yerba santa might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Yerba Santa interacts with any medicines. Before taking Yerba Santa, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 23/10/2022 05:27:15 and last updated on 17/09/2014 17:37:42. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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