Description

Yerba Santa is a flowering shrub measuring up to eight feet off the ground with white or lavender flowers. It natively grows in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Northern Mexico. The plant is said to emit an unpleasant odor and has a bitter taste that eventually turns sweet, and some say the sweet flavor is reminiscent of bubble gum. The leaves were used by Native American tribes like the Chumash people as a traditional medicine, and they are traditionally administered as a poultice or as a steam treatment. It was later introduced to early Spanish settlers who originally named it Yerba Santa or “Holy Herb” because it was so effective at treating respiratory ailments. It was also used less frequently to treat external conditions like bruises, wounds, bugs bites, and even hemorrhoids, although those conditions are not frequently treated using Yerba Santa today.
Yerba Santa is perfect for burning to not only ward off illness but also as a guide in spiritual journeys.It is said to help you find your innermost self and to give a deep spiritual cleansing. Yerba santa is also known to increase psychic powers and protection. Simply burn a little in a heat-proof bowl or on a charcoal disk during meditation or ritual practices.