ANEMOPSIS CALIFORNICA (ROOT & AERIAL PARTS)

(Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail, Hierba del Manso)

Family: Saururaceae
Part Used: Rhizome/root (primary); leaves and flowering tops secondary
Energetics: Cooling, drying, strongly dispersing
Taste: Pungent, astringent, bitter

BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION

Scientific Name: Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn.
Common Names: Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail, Hierba del Manso
Family: Saururaceae

Morphology:
Anemopsis californica is a low-growing perennial wetland herb reaching 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall. Leaves are basal, heart-shaped to ovate, thick, and glabrous, with prominent veins and a leathery texture. Flowering stalks bear distinctive cone-like inflorescences surrounded by white petaloid bracts, giving the appearance of a single large flower.

The plant emits a strong, peppery–resinous aroma when bruised, especially from the root.

Root system:
A creeping, aromatic rhizome with fibrous roots, spreading laterally through saturated soils. The rhizome is the primary medicinal portion and concentrates volatile oils and pungent compounds.

HABITAT, RANGE, AND ADAPTATIONS

Yerba Mansa is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Baja California.

It thrives in marshes, springs, seeps, riverbanks, and alkaline wetlands, tolerating periodic flooding and saline soils. Adaptations include rhizomatous spread for stabilization in wet substrates and production of potent antimicrobial secondary metabolites that protect against waterborne pathogens.

CULTIVATION AND ECOLOGY

Anemopsis californica is easily cultivated in wet garden beds, pond margins, and bog gardens. It spreads vigorously where moisture is constant.

Ecologically, it stabilizes wetland soils, supports pollinators, and contributes to riparian biodiversity. Its robust rhizome allows recovery after grazing or flooding.

TRADITIONAL AND ETHNOBOTANICAL USE

Yerba Mansa is a foundational medicine of Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest, including Chumash, Tongva, Cahuilla, Apache, and Pima traditions.

Traditionally, the root and leaves were used for infections, wounds, sores, respiratory illness, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammatory conditions. It was considered a premier blood and lymph cleanser, as well as a powerful antimicrobial and astringent.

Spanish and Mexican herbal traditions adopted Yerba Mansa as hierba del manso, using it for venereal disease, kidney and bladder infections, sore throats, and skin eruptions.

Modern Western herbalism continues to value Yerba Mansa as a top-tier antimicrobial and lymphatic alterative, especially for chronic, low-grade infections.

KEY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND BENEFITS

The combination of pungent volatile oils and strong astringency underlies Yerba Mansa’s effectiveness against moist, chronic infections.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

Antimicrobial and Lymphatic Action:
Yerba Mansa inhibits bacterial and fungal growth while stimulating lymphatic drainage, making it effective in chronic infections where stagnation is present.

Mucosal and Tissue Effects:
Its tannins contract inflamed tissues, reducing excessive discharge and strengthening compromised mucosa in the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts.

Respiratory and Urinary Support:
Volatile oils act as mild expectorants and urinary antiseptics, supporting clearance of infection and inflammation.

ACTIONS AND INDICATIONS

Anemopsis californica acts as an antimicrobial, astringent, lymphatic alterative, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant expectorant.

It is indicated for chronic respiratory infections, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, skin infections, swollen lymph nodes, and inflammatory conditions with excessive moisture or discharge.

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE

Yerba Mansa pairs well with Echinacea, Usnea, White Sage, Uva Ursi, and Oregon Grape Root depending on infection site.

SAFETY, CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND TOXICITY

Yerba Mansa is generally safe at customary doses.

Due to strong astringency, prolonged high-dose internal use may cause dryness or constipation. Use caution during pregnancy due to limited modern safety data and uterine-stimulating potential suggested in some traditions.

No well-documented drug interactions are known.

General Toxicological Reference (LD₅₀)

• Whole Anemopsis californica root preparations:
  Acute oral toxicity studies are limited; based on constituent class data and traditional use, estimated LD₅₀ values are >2,000 mg/kg in animal models

• Methyleugenol (isolated constituent):
  Oral LD₅₀ in rodents reported approximately 1,500–3,000 mg/kg; relevance reduced in whole-root preparations

Clinical relevance:
Whole-root preparations exhibit a wide margin of safety when used appropriately and short-term for infection and inflammation.

HARVEST AND PROCESSING

Rhizomes are harvested in late fall or early spring. Sections of rhizome should be replanted to ensure regeneration. Roots are sliced and dried at low heat to preserve volatile oils.

Properly dried root retains potency for 2–3 years.

SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION

Yerba Mansa is locally abundant but dependent on healthy wetland ecosystems. Drainage, development, and overharvesting threaten some populations.

Ethical practice emphasizes selective harvest, habitat protection, and cultivation in wetland gardens.

SUMMARY

Yerba Mansa is a medicine of purification and containment—clearing infection while restoring boundary and tone to compromised tissues. Where moisture, stagnation, and chronic inflammation persist, Anemopsis californica brings clarity, movement, and resolution.

Rooted in Indigenous Southwestern medicine, it remains one of the most effective botanical allies for chronic infections of the lymph, mucosa, and skin, demanding respect for both its strength and its ecological home.