Herb & supplement monograph

Yerba Santa Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Yerba Santa interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Yerba Santa 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 Santa 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 Santa Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Yerba Santa drug interaction appears low for most people. Only a single interaction is on record, it is rated moderate rather than major, and it rests largely on a theoretical mechanism.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one combination that deserves real attention is lithium. Yerba Santa is thought to act as a mild diuretic, and by changing how the kidneys handle fluid it could slow the body's clearance of lithium and allow levels to rise. Because lithium is a narrow-margin medicine that is closely monitored through blood tests, even a modest shift in its level can matter, so anyone taking it should treat this pairing seriously despite the limited evidence.

What the rest of the list means

Unlike many herbal supplements, Yerba Santa does not come with a long list of predicted interactions, which is genuinely reassuring. Still, the lithium concern has not been confirmed in well-controlled human studies; it is a reasonable prediction from the herb's suspected diuretic effect rather than a proven, documented problem. Outside of lithium, no interactions with other medications have been reported.

Check your medications against Yerba Santa

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Yerba Santa

1 medication has a known interaction with Yerba Santa, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

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 Santa 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 Santa affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Yerba Santa 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 Santa interacts with
Lithium
Lithium

Yerba santa is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, yerba santa might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Yerba Santa: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Yerba Santa is an aromatic shrub from the western United States and Mexico that has long been used in folk medicine for coughs, congestion, and other respiratory complaints. Modern scientific evidence supporting these uses is very limited, with most data coming from laboratory studies rather than human trials. It is best known today as a flavoring agent that helps mask the bitter taste of medicines; talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it for health purposes.

Yerba Santa
Scientific name
Eriodictyon californicum
Family
Boraginaceae
Part used
Leaves
Common forms
Tea, tincture, capsules, syrup, dried leaf, throat lozenges, and as a flavoring agent
People commonly use it for
  • Coughs and colds
  • Chest congestion (expectorant)
  • Asthma and bronchitis
  • Sore throat
  • Masking bitter tastes in medicines

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally used in small amounts in foods and teas, but human safety data are limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information 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.

Jump to a section

Overview

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is an evergreen shrub that grows in dry, sunny areas of California, the southwestern United States, and northern Mexico. Its name is Spanish for "holy herb," and it has also been called Bear's Weed, Mountain Balm, and Consumptive's Weed. The plant has sticky, resinous leaves with a strong, somewhat sweet aroma.

Native American peoples and early settlers traditionally used the leaves to make teas, syrups, and poultices, mostly for chest and breathing complaints. The leaves were also chewed or smoked. Today Yerba Santa is sold as a tea, tincture, capsule, and lozenge, and the leaf extract is widely used by the food and drug industry as a flavoring that helps cover up bitter tastes.

How it works

The leaves contain a mix of plant compounds, including flavonoids (such as eriodictyol, which is named after the plant) and aromatic resins and oils. Eriodictyol is also studied for its ability to block bitter tastes, which explains why the plant is used as a taste-masking flavoring.

In laboratory and animal research, some Yerba Santa compounds show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and the resins may have a mild soothing or expectorant action in the airways. These are proposed mechanisms based mostly on test-tube work, and they have not been confirmed in well-designed human studies.

Effectiveness

Does Yerba Santa work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Yerba Santa, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral yerba santa is beneficial for weight loss.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Yerba Santa has a long history of use in teas and as a food flavoring, and small amounts are generally considered low-risk for most healthy adults. However, there is limited modern safety research, especially for concentrated supplements taken over long periods.

People with allergies to plants in the borage family, and anyone with a chronic medical condition, should be cautious and check with a healthcare professional first. Because the plant is sticky and resinous, the dried leaf and concentrated products may irritate some people.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to know whether Yerba Santa is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, you should avoid medicinal use during these times. Also avoid giving it to infants or young children unless a doctor advises it.

Side effects

When used in the small amounts found in teas and flavorings, Yerba Santa is usually well tolerated. Reported side effects are uncommon and not well documented.

Possible effects include mild stomach upset and allergic reactions in sensitive people, such as skin rash or itching. Stop using it and seek medical care if you develop swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction. Because human data are so limited, it is wise to start with a small amount to see how you respond.

Dosing

There is no established standardized dose for Yerba Santa, and the amount of active compounds can vary a lot from product to product. Because of this, it is hard to recommend a specific safe and effective dose.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. A pharmacist or doctor can help you decide whether it is appropriate for you, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition. Do not use it as a replacement for proven treatments for asthma or infections.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Yerba Santa & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Yerba Santa & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information 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

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Yerba Santa

52 brands in our database make a supplement containing Yerba Santa.

Product directory

Supplement products with Yerba Santa

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Yerba Santa: Common Questions

What is Yerba Santa used for, and does it work?
People use Yerba Santa for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Yerba Santa interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 1 medication with a known interaction with Yerba Santa. Use the checker above to see how Yerba Santa interacts with a specific drug.
How are Yerba Santa 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 Santa 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 Santa 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 Santa used for?
It is traditionally used for respiratory complaints like coughs, colds, chest congestion, and asthma, and as an expectorant to help loosen mucus. It is also widely used as a flavoring agent to mask bitter tastes, though strong scientific proof for its health benefits is lacking.
Is Yerba Santa safe to take?
Small amounts in teas and food flavorings are generally considered low-risk for healthy adults, but modern safety research is limited. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it medicinally, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
Can I use Yerba Santa if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there is not enough information to know if it is safe. Always talk to your doctor before using any herbal product during these times.
Does Yerba Santa actually help with coughs and asthma?
People have used it this way for a long time, but there is very little high-quality human research showing it works. Do not use it in place of proven treatments, and see a doctor for any serious breathing problem.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Yerba Santa

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

See all 276 products with Yerba Santa →
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