Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Rhizome, Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Pungent, Warming, Aromatic

Caution: Considered safe. Do not use if you experience any burning sensations, have acute inflammation, or stomach ulcers. Do not use if pregnant. It can be possible over sedating if mixed with anesthesia for surgeries.

History/Folklore: “Yerba” is the Spanish word for herb and “Mansa” means calm or tranquil in Spanish, however the plant has no actual sedating properties nor was it ever used in this way by natives. Possibly the word “mansa” comes from the Manso Indians.

Native Americans likely introduced the plant to early Spanish settlers who came to view it as valuable for its medicinal and magical uses. As a plant that grows in the desert but near water, it is considered a plant of fire and water and is useful treating hot and wet conditions in the body.

The Chumash people of Southern California used the herbs to sooth coughs, skin sores and ulcers, and as a purifier to strengthen the body, mind and spirit. As a blood purifier, they used yerba mansa tea to treat asthma, kidney problems and a variety of skin ailments and to prevent infections caused by wounds or sores. Many local Native American tribes of the Southwest, where the plant can be found, used it to treat venereal disease, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums and host of other ailments.

Yerba mansa’s ability to assist with mucous membrane congestion makes it a good herb to use for treating stomach ulcerations, mucous in the stools or arthritis. It is a versatile herb, and can be taken orally as a tea, tincture, infusion or in dried capsule form. It can also be used in creams, ointments, or in powdered form.

Yerba mansa is considered milder and less tannic then the herb uva ursi is so it can be used longer without upsetting the stomach.

An infusion of the roots can be taken as a diuretic to treat rheumatic diseases like gout through its ability to rid the body of excess uric acid. Yerba mansa also prevents the build up of uric acid crystals in the kidneys that can cause kidney stones.

As a tea the taste is spicy and numbing. Some find it soothing and calming and some hate its medicinal taste. 2-4 leaves are used per cup of water, taken several times a day over a few days, but not every day as it is a medicinal herb and not just a tonic herb that can be taken daily to help prevent conditions.

In Los Cruses, New Mexico folks use it as poultice to relieve muscle swelling and inflammation. An infusion made of the roots is used as a diuretic. They also use the dried plants as an ingredient in potpourri mixtures.

It can be used as a nasal spray to relieve inflammation of the nose and sinuses, or a gargle for sore throat. Use 30-60 drops up to 5x daily and as a decoction use 1 ounce of the herb to 1 quart of water. Dosage is 1/4 to 1/2 cup up to 5x daily.

While the plant can be collected any time of year, the roots will be strongest when gathered in the fall and winter when foliage has dried back. The roots are then allowed to dry for several weeks before using.