Tag: Yerba santa

Known as *tlanepaquelite* by the Aztecs, meaning 'aromatic herbal medicine,' hoja santa has a rich history of traditional use in Central America. This versatile, heart-shaped leaf, also called the 'sacred leaf,' is prized for both its distinctive anise-like flavor and a wide array of potential health properties.

Spanish Catholic priests, impressed by its medicinal properties, named the evergreen shrub *Eriodictyon californicum* 'yerba santa,' meaning 'holy herb'. Yes, you can drink yerba santa, and it has a long history of traditional use as a tea, particularly for respiratory ailments.