Herb & supplement monograph

Yerba Mansa Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Yerba Mansa interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Yerba Mansa is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Yerba Mansa is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Yerba Mansa Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Yerba Mansa drug interactions come down to a single concern, added drowsiness when it is combined with sedating medications, so the overall risk of a clinically significant problem appears low for most people who do not take these drugs. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one falls into the same moderate category involving sedation.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve real attention involve CNS depressants, meaning medicines that slow brain activity and cause drowsiness. Yerba mansa may add to their effect, making sedation deeper or longer-lasting, which could matter for anyone who needs to stay alert. This interaction is graded probable, so there is some supporting evidence beyond lab work, though it has not been confirmed in well-controlled human studies.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications can look alarming, but it reflects this one sedation concern applied across many different drugs, not hundreds of separate risks. The evidence behind it is limited and partly theoretical, so being on the list does not mean a combination is proven harmful, only that extra drowsiness is a reasonable possibility.

Check your medications against Yerba Mansa

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Yerba Mansa interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Yerba Mansa

248 medications have a known interaction with Yerba Mansa, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Yerba Mansa using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Yerba Mansa interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Yerba Mansa combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Yerba Mansa affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Yerba Mansa is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Yerba Mansa interacts with

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive or prolonged sedative effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Monograph

Yerba Mansa: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Yerba mansa is a traditional Southwestern and Mexican medicinal plant used for sore throats, skin problems, and infections. Modern scientific evidence in humans is very limited, so its effectiveness is largely unproven. If you want to try it, talk to a pharmacist or doctor first, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Anemopsis californica
Family: Saururaceae
Part used: Root (rhizome) and leaves
Common forms: Dried root, tea, tincture, capsules, powder, topical washes and salves

People commonly use it for

Sore throat and respiratory congestion
Skin irritation and wounds
Mouth and gum inflammation
Urinary and digestive complaints
Antimicrobial support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Human safety data are limited, so use cautiously and discuss with a healthcare professional.

PregnancyBest avoided

Not enough safety information is available, so it is best avoided during pregnancy.

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) is a low-growing perennial plant native to the southwestern United States and parts of northern Mexico. It grows in wet, marshy places such as the edges of streams, springs, and salty wetlands, and it produces fragrant white flowers.

The plant has a long history in Native American and Mexican folk medicine. The root (rhizome) and leaves are the parts most often used. People have traditionally prepared it as a tea, a tincture, a powder, or a topical wash for the skin and mouth.

Today it is sold as a dietary supplement and herbal remedy in forms like dried root, capsules, and liquid extracts. Its traditional reputation is mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb.

Uses & effectiveness

Yerba mansa is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs, and respiratory congestion, for skin irritation, cuts, and wounds, for mouth and gum inflammation, and for various digestive and urinary complaints. It is also valued as a general antimicrobial in folk medicine.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: most of these uses are supported by tradition rather than strong human research. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that extracts of the plant may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant activity. However, results from a test tube or animal study do not prove that the herb works safely or effectively in people.

At this time, there are no large, high-quality human clinical trials that confirm yerba mansa treats any specific medical condition. If you are dealing with an infection or another health problem, do not rely on yerba mansa in place of proven medical care.

How it works

Yerba mansa contains a mix of plant compounds, including essential oils (such as methyleugenol and related aromatic compounds), flavonoids, and tannins. Tannins give the plant its astringent quality, which may explain its traditional use for soothing irritated tissues and minor bleeding.

Laboratory studies suggest some of these compounds may slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi and may reduce markers of inflammation. These are proposed mechanisms based mostly on test tube and animal research, not on confirmed effects in the human body.

Because the exact active ingredients and how much of them reach the body are not well defined, the way yerba mansa works in people is still not clearly understood.

Safety & precautions

There is very little modern safety research on yerba mansa, so its full safety profile is unknown. As a general rule, treat it as a substance that should be used cautiously and under guidance.

Some essential-oil constituents found in the plant, such as methyleugenol, have raised safety questions in laboratory studies. This is one reason to avoid using concentrated forms or large amounts over a long period.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid yerba mansa because there is no reliable evidence that it is safe. Children, older adults, and people with liver or kidney disease or other chronic conditions should not use it without talking to a doctor or pharmacist first. Always tell your healthcare provider about any herbal products you take.

Side effects

Because formal studies are lacking, the side effects of yerba mansa are not well documented. Based on its astringent and aromatic nature, possible effects could include stomach upset, nausea, or mouth and throat irritation, especially with strong preparations.

Applied to the skin, herbal washes can occasionally cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Stop using the product and seek care if you develop a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction.

If you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms after taking yerba mansa, stop using it and contact a healthcare professional.

Dosing

There is no established, standardized dose for yerba mansa. Traditional use varied widely depending on whether it was prepared as a tea, tincture, or topical wash, and the strength of commercial products differs from brand to brand.

If you choose to use a product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Because reliable dosing guidance does not exist, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, and to use it for the shortest time needed.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Yerba Mansa & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Yerba Mansa monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Yerba Mansa

12 brands in our database make a supplement containing Yerba Mansa.

BIOVEA 1,494 products Chief Originals 31 products Five Flavors Herbs 23 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herb Pharm 3,320 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Herbs, Etc. 388 products L.A. Naturals 201 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products Thymely Solutions 145 products Village Vitality 361 products WishGarden 3 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Yerba Mansa

139 products in our database contain Yerba Mansa. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Yerba Mansa: Common Questions

Does Yerba Mansa interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 248 medications with a known interaction with Yerba Mansa. Use the checker above to see how Yerba Mansa interacts with a specific drug.

How are Yerba Mansa interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Yerba Mansa with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Yerba Mansa interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Yerba Mansa used for?

It is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs, skin irritation and wounds, mouth and gum problems, and as a general antimicrobial. These are folk uses, and strong human evidence that it works is lacking.

Is Yerba Mansa safe to take?

There is little modern safety research, so its safety is not well established. Use it cautiously, choose reputable products, and talk to a pharmacist or doctor first.

Can I use Yerba Mansa while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Because there is no reliable safety information, it is best to avoid Yerba Mansa during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

How is Yerba Mansa usually taken?

It is commonly used as a tea, tincture, capsule, or topical wash made from the root or leaves. Since there is no standard dose, follow the product label and check with a healthcare professional.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Yerba Mansa

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Yerba Mansa — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 139 products with Yerba Mansa →

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