Yerba Mansa
OTHER NAME(S): Anemopsis de Californie, Lizard's Tail, Queue de Lézard, Swamp Root, Yerba Manza, Anemopsis californica, Anemia californica, Anemopsis De Californie
Overview
Yerba mansa is an herb. The root and rhizome are used to make medicine.
Yerba mansa is used for the common cold, flu (influenza), pain, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Yerba mansa might slow the growth of certain cancer cells, but it's not clear how it does this.
Yerba mansa might slow the growth of certain cancer cells, but it's not clear how it does this.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis).
- Cancer.
- Cancer of the uterus.
- Common cold.
- Constipation.
- Cough.
- Diaper rash.
- Flu (influenza).
- Gout.
- Inability to become pregnant within a year of trying to conceive (infertility).
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Kidney stones.
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
- Osteoarthritis.
- Pain.
- Tuberculosis.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the vagina (vaginitis).
- Vaginal yeast infections.
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of yerba mansa for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba mansa is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba mansa is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba mansa is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba mansa is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yerba mansa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Yerba mansa seems to slow down the central nervous system (CNS). There is a concern that it might slow down the CNS too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using yerba mansa at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Urinary tract disorders: Yerba mansa can irritate the urinary tract, making urinary tract disorders worse. Don't use yerba mansa if you have a urinary tract problem.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Yerba MansaYerba mansa might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking yerba mansa along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of yerba mansa depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for yerba mansa. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Medina-Holguín AL, Holgun FO, Micheletto S, Goehle S, Simon JA, O'Connell MA. Chemotypic variation of essential oils in the medicinal plant, Anemopsis californica. Phytochemistry. 2008;69(4):919-27.
- Daniels AL, Van Slambrouck S, Lee RK, et al. Effects of extracts from two Native American plants on proliferation of human breast and colon cancer cell lines in vitro. Oncol Rep. 2006;15(5):1327-31.