Botanical Overview
Clinopodium douglasii, commonly known as Yerba Buena, Douglas’ Clinopodium, or Mountain Mint, is a herbaceous member of the Lamiaceae family native to Western North America, especially the Pacific Northwest and California. The plant’s aromatic leaves, stems, and flowers are traditionally harvested for medicinal use.
Energetics
Yerba Buena is considered to have a cooling temperature and moistening qualities. Its taste profile is aromatic, minty, slightly bitter, and sweet. Energetically, it is relaxing in tonicity, with an ascending and outward directionality, primarily affecting the qi.
Primary Actions
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive tonic
- Mild sedative
Indications
Western
Used for digestive complaints such as indigestion and bloating, respiratory issues including cough and cold symptoms, as well as headache and mild anxiety. Clinical applications involve relief of digestive spasms and mild respiratory congestion.
Syndromes
- Digestive spasms
- Mild anxiety
- Respiratory congestion
TCM
No traditional Chinese Medicine indications documented.
Ayurveda
No specific Ayurvedic indications documented.
Unani
No specific Unani indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains volatile oils, flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins, and rosmarinic acid, which likely contribute to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaf per cup, steeped for 10 minutes, taken 2-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 ethanol 40% extract, 2-5 mL 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Yerba Buena is generally safe when consumed as a tea or infusion in moderation. There is insufficient safety data for use during pregnancy, and it should be used cautiously in this population. No significant drug interactions have been documented, though caution is advised if used with central nervous system depressants due to potential additive effects.
Astrological Correspondences
No clear planetary or elemental rulers identified in traditional or modern sources.
Selected References
- Clinopodium douglasii (Yerba Buena) Monograph – Plants For A Future Database
- Clinopodium douglasii – USDA Plants Database
- Clinopodium douglasii Chemical Constituents and Uses – Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases