This is an herb that grows primarily in California, dipping up into Oregon and east into Nevada and northern Arizona. Its Latin name is Eriodictyon californicum, the most common species of this herb used in commerce. Its thin, narrow leaves are what are used medicinally. Used primarily as a decongestant, Yerba santa is used for any wet, mucus-y lung or sinus condition, such as a head cold, seasonal allergies, or bronchitis. It acts as an anti-inflammatory as well, so the two properties of decongestant and anti-inflammatory together are good reasons to add to an allergy formula, such as my Allergy Ease formulas. It is also may have some antihistamine effects, therefore helping to prevent allergy symptoms. Yerba santa is also used for chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis) and urinary tract inflammation or irritation.