Eriodictyon parryi

In the Southwest and northern Mexico, Eriodictyon parryi has a well-documented history of preparation as an expectorant and cold remedy in the form of infusions, decoctions and macerations. Among the Cahuilla of southern California, both leaves and young twigs are traditionally boiled to make a bitter tea that is taken for coughs, bronchitis and “colds,” according to Bean and Saubel’s Ethnobotany of the Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. In northern Arizona and New Mexico, the Pima used an infusion or decoction of leaves as a cough remedy, as recorded in Castetter and Underhill’s Ethnobotany of the Pima Indians. The Seri of Sonora prepared infusions of leaves to relieve coughs and throat irritation, and in Baja California, the Cochimí and neighboring peoples also made a leaf infusion for coughs, as reported in McDenmore and Mexicali region summaries. Aversion to bitterness is often noted, sometimes leading to the addition of sugar or honey and the option of an alcohol maceration for more rapid effect; however, because of the plant’s bitter constituents and potential irritant properties, neither decoction nor infusion is taken in large amounts or for extended periods, and it is avoided during pregnancy.

A practical recipe is a mild Yerba Santa leaf infusion for a cough or sore throat. Use 2–3 g (about 1 small tablespoonful) of dried leaves in 250 ml of just-off-the-boil water. Cover and steep 10–15 minutes, then strain. Sip 1/2 cup (120 ml) two to three times daily for up to a week. To temper bitterness, add a small amount of honey or sugar. For a tincture, use 1 part fresh leaves (or dried) to 5 parts 45–50% ethanol (by volume) and macerate for 2 weeks, shaking daily, then press and filter. A common adult dose is 1–2 ml three times daily. Because of potential uterine stimulant activity, avoid during pregnancy; people with asthma or known hypersensitivity to Yerba Santa should also use cautiously, and discontinue if irritation develops.

The bitter character and expectorant activity of Eriodictyon species are associated with flavonol glycosides such as eriodictyol and luteolin, with eriodictyol‑7‑glucoside often dominant; essential oils contribute a modest aromatic component. These compounds plausibly underlie the traditional coughs and colds applications, with phenolic and phenylpropanoid constituents adding mild tonic qualities. Contemporary commercial Yerba Santa (primarily E. angustifolium and E. californicum) remains available as dried herb, tincture and capsule, and recent pharmacological studies continue to investigate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

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