Eriodictyon trichocalyx – “Yerba Santa”

Family: Waterleaf (Hydrophyllaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-Jun
Form: Perennial evergreen shrub
Habitat: Hillsides
Leaves: Linear, glossy in the light, sticky to the touch; “webbed” underside; alternate
Translation: “Eriodictyon” is Greek for “woolly net,” which refers to the net-like lines on the underside of the leaves; “trichocalyx” is Greek for “hairy calyx.”
Notes: “Yerba Santa” is Spanish for “holy herb”. Well-known medicinal plant for treating congestion and lung issues. According to herbalist Michael Moore, it is such an effective decongestant that it can over-dry the mucous membranes if taken in large amounts, and should be combined with demulcent herbs to counteract this effect. For medicinal use, the leaves are most often made into a tea but can also be eaten raw, right off the plant. The resinous, somewhat sweet flavor can cause a tingling or mild burning sensation in the mouth and throat; those are the medicinal constituents at work.
Native American Uses: The Cahuilla drank a decoction of the leaves to treat rheumatism, colds, coughs, asthma, congestion, sore throats, tuberculosis and to purify the blood. They made a poultice of the leaves to relieve sore muscles and a liniment for fevers. Fresh leaves were chewed to quench the thirst.