Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)
Yerba santa is an herb. The leaf is used to make medicine. Yerba santa is used for respiratory conditions including cough, cold, tuberculosis, asthma, and long-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (chronic bronchitis). It is also used for fever and dry mouth.
Yerba santa is sometimes applied directly to the skin in a warm dressing (poultice) to treat bruises, sprains, wounds, and insect bites, and to relieve joint pain (rheumatism).
In foods and beverages, an extract of yerba santa is used as a flavoring.
In the manufacturing of medications, yerba santa is used to mask the bitter taste of certain drugs.
How does it work?
Yerba santa contains chemicals that are thought to loosen mucus in the chest and may increase urination.
Yerba santa is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in amounts commonly found in food or when taken by mouth for medicinal reasons. However, the potential side effects are not known.
There is not enough information to know whether yerba santa is safe when put on the skin.
WARNING: Always consult your physician before using this product or any herb-based product.
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