Anemopsis californica
Part Used: Dried root
Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) is a perennial herb, characterized as having a white spiked basal inflorescence surrounded by striking white bracts that are often mistaken for petals. It has spinach-like leaves that arise from a stout aromatic rhizome. The herb has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic and blood cleanser properties. As an anti-inflammatory, it relieves irritated mucous membranes and helps to prevent tissue damage that may happen during inflammation. It can be useful for acute or chronic throat, lung, and sinus irritations. It helps colds, sore throats, periodontal disease (pyrrhea), colitis, Crohn's disease, bladder and kidney infections, and it is also effective as a douche for yeast infections. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections, stomach and duodenal ulcers, wounds, bruises, diaper rash, skin inflammations, arthritis, aches and pains.
Yerba Mansa is also useful for arthritis because it stimulates the excretion of uric acid and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so it is useful for skin infections also. It soothes and astringes mucus membranes and acts as a powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Useful in chronic and acute sinus infection, swollen gums and sore throat and other conditions associated with mucous congestion and inflammation.
References:
Medicinal Plants of the Southwest. http://medplant.nmsu.edu/yerba.html
India Spring Herbal Encyclopedia. http://indianspringherbs.com/Yerba_Mansa.htm
http://www.theherbalist.com/yerbamansa_extract.html
