Formulas and Recipes
Yerba santa can be used in a variety of forms such as extracts, tonics and dried leaves. Extracts can be used in the food and beverage industries to flavor baked goods, soft drinks and some dairy products. The dried leaf is used in tea blends and can be combined with bitter herbs to produce tonics. Also the fresh leaf of the plant is said to quench thirst when chewed. This is because the plant retains water to withstand its hot and dry habitat. Rolled and dried in the sun, the leaf is chewed to cleanse the mouth when mouthwash is not available.
Health Benefits
Yerba santa is said to help with respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs and bronchitis. It’s also uses to help alleviate muscle spams and to loosen phlegm. When applied to the skin it may help treat sprains, joint pain and sooth insect bits.