Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum and related species) has a long history of traditional use among Native American tribes and later herbalists in California and the southwestern United States. It has been used primarily for respiratory conditions, including colds accompanied by fever, coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. The leaves were often brewed into teas or used as poultices. The rationale for its use in colds is attributed to its expectorant properties, helping to loosen and expel mucus, and its mild anti-inflammatory effects that may soothe irritated respiratory tissues. Some early eclectic and Western herbal texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries also mention yerba santa as a remedy for "catarrhal" conditions, which included symptoms typical of colds and upper respiratory tract infections.

However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for colds, especially those with fever, is limited. Modern phytochemical studies have identified flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in yerba santa, but clinical trials in humans for cold treatment are lacking. Thus, while its use is well-established in traditional medicine, current scientific validation is minimal, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

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