Words on Wellness • Our Green Allies
By Karin Uphoff
As we slide into an early fire season in California, it is comforting to know that nature provides us with green allies that help our lungs clear smoke. Two of them that grow here in Mendocino County are Western Coltsfoot and Yerba Santa. The large-leaved Western Coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus var. palmatus ) grows near the edges of forests, near streams, water runoff, ditches, and waterfalls. The single flower stalk, a large head of dainty white flowers, emerges just before or with new leaves in late February to early March with leaves continuing to expand long after the flowers have gone. Also known as butterbur or coughwort, this plant helps clear surplus phlegm from the respiratory system. Of note: young coltsfoot leaves contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be toxic to the liver. As the leaves mature and grow to be dinner plate size, they are safe to use as tea by non-pregnant adults for up to two weeks as needed. The flavonoids present in coltsfoot possess anti-inflammatory as well as anti-spasmodic properties that help provide relief from convulsions in the lungs to those suffering from asthma and bronchitis attacks. The demulcent quality of coltsfoot leaf soothes and protects irritated respiratory tissue.
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum), or ‘Holy Herb’, is a tall shrub found inland in dry, open sunny locations, south-facing rocky slopes, and along roadsides at middle elevations. Stands of this herb with its spreading roots help stabilize soil on burn sites or disturbed areas. Its woody stems have lancet, toothed leaves that are famously sticky and glossy above with lighter-colored undersides. Flowering stalks are lined with small tubular flowers that vary in color from white to pink to purple. They unfurl like a scorpion’s tail from late spring into June and attract native bees. The new-growth leaves can be harvested throughout the summer, then tinctured, dried for tea or kept on the stem to make smudge-sticks. Leaves of Yerba Santa warm and stimulate the respiratory system; reduce inflammation in sinuses, throat, and lungs, plus dry the copious mucus discharge of seasonal allergies. Leaf tincture is taken to absolve chronic asthma, bronchitis and dredge smoke and debris from lungs. It is also excellent for resolving urinary tract infections, so often a side effect of a dehydrating season. Both these herbs have been traditionally used in smoking blends for healing body and spirit.
