Yerba Buena is an aromatic herb of the mint family. This perennial plant has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes worldwide. We can use it in salads and can give added flavors of the foods we cook.
The herb is rich in menthol, menthone, menthene, limonene, and pulegone. Aside from this, it also has significant amounts of antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, caffeic acid, and caffeine. Due to these, Yerba Buena has been used as medicines for treating various ailments.
Reasons Why Yerba Buena Is Great For Our Health
Good For The Skin
Yerba Buena contains antioxidants that are good for our skin. Drinking the tea can help boost skin health, soothe inflammation, eliminate free radicals, and limit signs of aging like wrinkles.
Helps Treat Nausea, Morning Sickness, and Fainting
For those experiencing nausea associated with early stages of pregnancy, inhaling the scent from burning Yerba Buena can provide some relief. Also, we can simply crush some leaves and inhale its scent.
A Potent Remedy For Asthma
The minty scent of the plant can also calm muscles in the respiratory system, thereby beneficial for those experiencing asthma attacks. For this purpose, we need to crush the leaves and inhale the fumes.
Boosts The Immune System
Yerba Buena tea contains catechins and polyphenolic compounds which can help our body fight against bacterial and viral pathogens.
Used For Oral Health
Yerba Buena can help whiten our teeth and can also be used as a natural ingredient in mouthwashes. In fact, there are toothpaste brands that use Yerba Buena in preparing dental care and natural toothpaste.
For a Yerba Buena mouthwash, we just have to soak a handful of Yerba Buena leaves in a cup of warm water for approximately 1 hour. Decant the minty Yerba Buena leaves solution. Regular use of this mouthwash will keep our mouth fresh and free from mouth odor.
Aids in Digestion
Yerba Buena aids in easy food digestion relaxes the gastrointestinal tract and prevents flatulence.
Consumption of Yerba Buena tea can help treat diarrhea or constipation by helping our stomach balance its pH levels and soothing inflammation.
Helps Relieve Pain
Yerba Buena has analgesic properties that are good for people suffering from arthritis or recovering from an injury or illness. For this remedy, we can consume it as tea or apply it topically. Squeeze its leaves and mix with eucalyptus essential oil before being applied to the affected body parts.
Boosts The Respiratory System
In addition to reducing the amount of phlegm and mucus in our respiratory tracts, Yerba Buena can also eliminate infections. A few glasses of tea every day is recommended for best results.
Promotes Wound Healing
Form a poultice by crushing Yerba Buena stems and apply it on cuts, bruises, wounds, and abrasions for fast healing.
Aids In Weight Loss
Regular consumption of Yerba Buena tea can help suppress the appetite and increase passive fat-burning potential. This can help those aiming to lose some pounds.
How to Make Yerba Buena Tea?
Yerba Buena tea can be made from fresh leaves.
Dry the leaves for at least 2 weeks and then crushed them into pieces. Boil the dried Yerba Buena leaves in water (2 tbsp of dried Yerba Buena to every cup of water). Allow steeping for 30 minutes. Finally, strain the leaves out of the mixture and add some honey to taste and for additional benefits. Drink the tea 4-6 times daily.