The Magickal Properties of Yerba Santa

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum, E. glutinosum)

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum, E. glutinosum) belongs to the Boraginaceae family of plants. It is an evergreen aromatic shrub, with dark, long, serrated leaves, that have a waxy feel. Yerba Santa blooms in late spring to summer with clusters of lavender to white, bell-shaped flowers

It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly California, Oregon, Nevada, and parts of Baja California in Mexico. It typically grows in dry, sunny environments, such as chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and foothills, thriving in rocky or sandy soils and often appearing after wildfires.

Harvesting Yerba Santa

The leaves of Yerba Santa are generally harvested in late Spring or early Summer, once mature and aromatic. They are dried in a shaded, well ventilated area to preserve their natural oils. Once dried, they should be stored in airtight containers, away from the light and heat.

Mundane Properties of Yerba Santa

Yerba Santa is a herb that is known to be an expectorant (a medication that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways) and has been used historically in ailments related to breathing and congestion such as asthma and congestion of the lungs. It has been used as a smoke, a tea, or added to cough syrups.

Magickal Properties Of Yerba Santa

Common Names: Yerba Santa (Spanish for "Holy Herb"), Mountain Balm, Consumptive’s Weed, Bear Weed, Gum Bush, Sacred Herb.

Parts Used: Leaves

Gender: Feminine

Powers: Beauty, Healing, Psychic powers, Protection

Yerba Santa is commonly referred to as "Holy Herb" and has been used for meditation and Shamanic journeying. It is also said to open the third eye and crown chakra. 

How To Use Yerba Santa For Magick

1. Yerba Santa can be worn around the neck to ward off illness.
2. Yerba Santa can be carried to improve or attain beauty.
3. Add an infusion of Yerba Santa to bathwater to increase attractiveness.
   
4. Add the dried leaves to incense to promote healing.
5. Dried leaves can also be added to poppets to promote healing in spells.
6. Carry the leaves in a mojo bag to aid in spiritual protection and increase psychic abilities.
7. Cleanse your area with a Yerba Santa smudge stick prior to performing meditation to help to open the third eye chakra.
8. You can also use Yerba Santa either as an incense or in a smoke cleansing bundle prior to performing divination such as Tarot to help connect with psychic abilities.

As always, please note that the Magickal benefits of this herb/plant are not set in stone.

Do your own research before working with each ingredient always and consult your own sources. What is right for me in my situation, may be completely wrong for you.

Let us know what you think about this fantastic plant. Do you grow it? If so, what has been your experience with it? Do you use it for mundane purposes, magickal purposes, or both? We'd love to hear your experiences.

Please note: The author of this blog is not a medical professional & the information presented in this blog is solely for entertainment and informational purposes. No information contained within this bog is intended to serve as professional advice of any description. Please consult a healthcare professional if you are seeking treatment for any medical condition.  If you choose to perform any type of self-treatment or follow advice off the internet you do so at your own risk.

References:

Cunningham, S. (2022). Cunningham's Encyclopedia Of Magickal Herbs (2nd ed., p 264). Llewellyn Publications.

Miernowska, M. (2020). The Witch's Herbal Apothecary (p. 101). Fair Winds Press.