Yerba mansa tincture is quite versatile and has been used for managing the common cold, mucous membrane inflammations, swollen gums, sore throats, joint pain, and more. Besides its healing benefits, this herb is known for calming and promoting relaxation. Native North Americans historically used yerba mansa for various health conditions.
Yerba mansa has deep roots in the cultural practices of several native people, such as the Mexican, Chumash, Shoshone, Pima, Mayo, Yaqui, and Apache. People who lived near the Western United States, both native and non-native, recognized the plant’s reputed magical qualities for body, mind, and spirit strengthening, and it remains popular in traditional healing practices by local curanderas, or traditional Mexican healers.
The native peoples were the pioneers in identifying yerba mansa’s anti-inflammatory properties, especially useful for alleviating pain and swelling in arthritic joints and rheumatism. This plant has antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and mild diuretic properties. The root and rhizome are the parts typically used for their sedative effects. Like elderberry tincture, yerba mansa can be consumed as tea, tincture, or dried. It can be taken directly by dropper or mixed with tea or sparkling water.
If you catch a cold, heading to a garden might offer some relief as yerba mansa tincture is traditionally used to soothe cold symptoms. This herb’s peppery taste and smell are notable, with its astringent roots often chewed raw for medicinal benefits, helping to boost immunity and fend off illnesses.
Recent research also suggests that yerba mansa extracts, especially from its roots, could inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, including those from breast and colon cancer.
With issues like inflammation and mucus buildup causing wheezing, sleep troubles, or sore throats, yerba mansa tincture can help reduce mucus and ease congestion and coughs. It soothes the mucous membranes, particularly in the throat, lungs, and stomach, and cleanses inflamed areas needing immune support.
Digestive problems are very common. Yerba mansa is warming and calming for digestion, anti-nausea, and antimicrobial against many stomach bugs. It’s excellent for easing stomach cramps, expelling gas, and preventing fermentation in the stomach.
Yerba mansa’s anti-inflammatory properties act similarly to some arthritis medications, potentially easing pain from headaches, arthritic inflammation, and toothaches.
With sexually transmitted diseases, yerba mansa shows antimicrobial effects, particularly against certain gram-positive bacteria. It has shown promise in alternative medicine for treating STDs.
A typical dosage of yerba mansa tincture ranges from 30 to 60 drops up to five times daily, preferably between meals. It can also be diluted and used as a gargle for sore throats.
Traditional herbal medicine has played an important role globally in healthcare across various cultures, and despite technological advances, the demand for herbal remedies like yerba mansa remains strong, especially for issues like sinus problems, allergies, persistent colds, and chronic sinus inflammation.