Yerba Buena Plant Benefits: 4 Ways To Use It To Improve Your Health

Yerba buena is a fitting name to call a plant that possesses a lot of medicinal benefits. Yerba buena in English means “good herb,” and is closely related to mint plants. It is a relatively small plant that grows at a maximum meter in height. It has green, elongated leaves and boasts little whitish or purplish flowers. Learn more about Yerba buena plant benefits and how to use it to treat common ailments. 

Uses

Yerba buena plant benefits mostly focus on analgesic or pain-relieving properties. But because of its minty scent and cooling effect, it is often included in the manufacturing of medicinal oil, soaps, and cosmetics.

Today, the Department of Health recognizes Yerba buena as one of the 10 herbal medicines that can help treat certain conditions – most especially aches and pains.

This herb has a lot of benefits to offer us on a practical level. The best Yerba buena plant benefits are the following:

1. Yerba buena can help get rid of bad breath 

One of the practical Yerba buena plant benefits is its ability to get rid of bad breath. While others choose to mix it with essential oils, like tea tree oil, drinking the tea is often enough to achieve fresher breath.

2. It helps soothe pain

The aches that can be soothed by Yerba buena include headaches, toothache, abdominal pains, menstrual cramps, and various types of arthritis. In a study, the application of this herb in oil form was effective in treating headache.  Not only does this herb possess a cooling property, it can also improve blood flow.

3. It helps relieve nasal congestion

It is also due to the menthol content that Yerba Buena can soothe a congested sinus. The menthol acts as an agent that helps the airflow in our nose.

4. It can help treat digestive problems, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often abbreviated as IBS, is a common large intestine disease characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

One of the Yerba Buena plant benefits that is most appreciated is its ability to relieve abdominal pain. A study reported that individuals who have been experiencing abdominal pain (resulting from IBS) found significant relief after using Yerba Buena.

How Does It Work?

The pain-relieving properties and cooling sensation of Yerba Buena makes it one of the most versatile herbal plants in the country.

Precautions & Warnings

Although there are many Yerba Buena plant benefits, it is still advised to follow the advice of your doctor. 

Yerba Buena comes in commercially prepared oral and topical forms. For oral capsules, be sure to get the advice of your doctor. For topical solutions and patches, do not forget to do a quick skin patch test to prevent allergic reactions. Additionally, Yerba Buena plant is edible: many recipes include its leaves in salads and other dishes.

How Safe Is Yerba Buena?

Generally, Yerba Buena is safe as long you follow the recommended doses and you are under normal health condition.

As with any other herbal medicine, special precautions apply to those who take maintenance medications, have existing health conditions, and are on a strict dietary regimen. In Yerba Buena’s case, precautions are mandatory to people who have an ulcer, gastrointestinal inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other digestive and urinary illnesses.

Young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should not drink Yerba Buena.

Side Effects

Yerba Buena as a medicinal herb can cause side effects on the digestive and urinary systems. Side effects like heartburn and constipation may worsen if Yerba Buena is taken with alcohol.

Interactions

It also has some drug interactions. Always consult your physician.

Dosage

Yerba Buena plant benefits can be harnessed in a variety of ways. Fortunately, this herb is made more accessible and more convenient to take as it is sold commercially in the local drugstores. It is best to talk with your physician when looking for a form and dose for your needs. 

There are do-it-yourself preparations that are easy to follow; however, you must always prioritize the doctor’s advice, especially if you are going to use these preparations to medicate certain symptoms.

Capsules

There are available capsules containing Yerba Buena oil that are available in pharmacies. Each capsule typically contains 0.2ml of peppermint oil. Commonly used for irritable bowel syndrome, Yerba Buena capsules can be taken 3 times a day, but you may also increase dosage to 2 capsules. Important: the treatment must never exceed 3 months.

For gastrointestinal tract spasms, the usual dose is 10 – 40 ml per day, divided into 3 equal doses.

Patches and Solutions

Commercial patches and solutions are also available in the market. Apply these directly over the affected area.

Tea

To drink as a tea or decoction, Yerba Buena leaves must be washed thoroughly under running water, chopped, and then crushed. Take 2 teaspoons of the crushed leaves and boil it in a cup of water over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. To relieve pain, you can drink 1 cup every 3 hours.

If you want to relieve toothaches, you can crush the washed leaves and squeeze the extract into a cotton ball. Bite the cotton ball using the aching tooth.

Leaves

For headaches, you can lightly heat the leaves and apply it over your head or temples.

What Form Does Yerba Buena Come In?

As a common and commercially sold alternative medicine, this herb is available as:

Learn more about Herbal Medicines here.