Anemopsis californica Yerba mansa (Saururaceae)

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Anemopsis californica
Yerba mansa
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The Anemopsis californica plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California, Mexico. It is a member of the Saururaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Yerba mansa. Some home gardeners know the variety as Houttuynia californica.

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Latin Name:  Anemopsis californica
Common Name:  Yerba mansa
Family:  Saururaceae
Author:  (Nutt.)Hook.&Arn.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Wet, especially somewhat alkaline or saline places, below 2000 metres[71, 187].

Medicinal Information: Yerba mansa was widely employed by the native North American Indians to treat a wide variety of complaints[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. The whole plant is analgesic, antiperiodic, antiphlogistic, blood purifier, disinfectant, diuretic, laxative, stomachic and vulnerary. The plant is infused and used to bathe aching muscles and sore feet[1, 46, 61, 71, 94, 103, 207]. The root is chewed for affections of the mucous membranes[207]. A tea made from the root is used as a blood purifier and general pain remedy, and as a treatment for pleurisy, gonorrhoea, syphilis and menstrual cramps[207, 257]. An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of colds, chest congestion and stomach ulcers[257]. The dried and powdered plant is used as a disinfectant on wounds whilst the fresh moist leaves are used as a poultice or salve on burns, cuts and wounds[257]. An infusion of the bark is used as a wash for open sores[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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