Fresh Yerba Santa
Also known as: *Eriodictyon californicum*, Bear's weed, California yerba santa, Consumptive's weed, Eriodictyon, Gum plant, Mountain balm, Santa herba, Tarweed, Yerba santa, *Eriodictyon angustifolium*
Overview
Yerba santa is a plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Traditionally utilized in herbal medicine, it is primarily recognized for its applications in treating respiratory issues such as bronchitis and coughs, and for managing bruises and rheumatic pain. Recent research has started to explore its potential neuroprotective and antioxidative effects, as well as weight management applications. Key active compounds include flavonoids like eriodictyol and sterubin, associated with its pharmacological activities. However, the body of research is still limited, with most evidence stemming from in vitro studies and animal trials rather than robust clinical studies.
Benefits
Yerba santa shows potential benefits in several areas. Notably, a small clinical trial has suggested its role in weight management for individuals with obesity (BMI > 30), which recorded significant reductions in body weight and body fat. Secondary effects include neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits observed in animal models, particularly relevant for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. However, the overall evidence supporting these benefits remains limited, with the need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish efficacy and effect size.
How it works
The active flavonoids in yerba santa, particularly sterubin, are believed to exert neuroprotective effects through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may interact with adenosine receptors, potentially influencing metabolic functions and locomotion. Despite these proposed mechanisms, much remains unknown about the bioavailability and absorption of these compounds in humans, necessitating further research.
Side effects
Yerba santa is generally regarded as safe with no significant adverse effects documented in available studies. There are no common or uncommon side effects reported. However, caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to insufficient safety data regarding its use in these populations. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but as with any herbal supplement, potential users should consult with healthcare professionals before use, especially if they are on medication or have underlying health conditions.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for yerba santa has not been firmly established due to the limited number of clinical studies. In one small trial focusing on weight management, participants took 400 mg of *E. californicum* extract twice a day. Generally, yerba santa is traditionally consumed as a tea or extract. There are no specific timing or absorption recommendations currently available, and further research is essential to determine safe upper limits and dosage guidelines.
FAQs
What is yerba santa typically used for?
Yerba santa is traditionally used for respiratory issues, including bronchitis and coughs, and has been explored for other potential benefits such as neuroprotection and weight management.
Is yerba santa safe to use?
Generally considered safe, but it is advised to avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data.
How should I take yerba santa?
It is usually consumed as a tea or extract, though specific timing recommendations are not established.
What are the expected outcomes from taking yerba santa?
Due to limited clinical data, expected outcomes can be unclear and require cautious interpretation.
Can yerba santa help with weight loss?
Some preliminary studies indicate potential weight management benefits, particularly for obese individuals, but more clinical validation is needed.
Research Sources
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/yerba-santa.html – This source provides a comprehensive overview of yerba santa's traditional uses, safety profile, dosage recommendations, and anecdotal evidence regarding its efficacy and applications in herbal medicine.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/i/iranian+folk+medicine.html – The content discusses various folk medicines, including yerba santa, highlighting its historical usage and traditional applications in different cultures, although lacking in-depth clinical validation.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-393/yerba-santa – WebMD provides an overview of yerba santa, citing its potential uses and effects, while underscoring the lack of solid clinical research backing its benefits.
- https://data.snf.ch/exportcsv/OutputdataScientificPublication.csv – This source compiles scientific publications related to yerba santa, emphasizing the necessity for further research to confirm its traditional uses and therapeutic claims.
- https://amahmutsun.org/land-trust-newsevents/yerba-santa-a-medicinal-plant-extraordinaire – Highlighting the significance of yerba santa in traditional medicine, this source discusses its uses while also calling attention to the need for more modern research and validation of its health benefits.
Supplements Containing Fresh Yerba Santa
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