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Yerba Mansa Nasal
Spray
Even though I have a decided
preference for using local herbs I've picked myself, Yerba
Mansa, a plant native to the American southwest, has
become an indispensable member of my family of most valued
herbs. I use it more or less exclusively for treating
chronic sinusitis; as little as 7-10 drops, taken as
needed, seems to almost immediately improve the
congestion, pain, and stuffy/sleepy feeling that
accompanies this condition (it’s not as good a remedy for
leaky-drippy, “hay fever” sinus problems… think Goldenrod,
Ragweed and Ox Eye Daisy here…). Even better, continued
use of the herb appears to act restoratively, gradually
lessening the severity and the occurrence of symptoms.
Michael Moore tells us Yerba Mansa both astringes the
tissues of the sinuses (which lessens secretions), and
promotes circulation to those tissues (which helps resolve
chronic inflammation or infection).
Browsing
through an old copy of
Ellingwood's Therapuetist, I came
across an article extolling its virtues for this very
complaint, and also providing an intriguing recipe for a
Yerba Mansa nasal spray. I've made this formula, and can
attest that it’s pretty damn cool.
It's
prepared as follows:
~ 5-30 drops
Yerba Mansa Tincture
(I've always used 5-10
drops, which seems to work
fine)
~1
dram (about 60 drops) Glycerine
~Enough
distilled water to make 2 fluid ounces of the mixture
I've frequently adapted this recipe to
leave out the glycerine and add salt to make a basic
saline solution; to do this, add 1/4 rounded teaspoon
salt (ideally some clean water sea salt, but use what
you have in a pinch and don't stress too much about it)
to an 8 fluid ounce cup, stir till the salt is
dissolved, and add your tincture to two ounces of this.
The
ingredients are thoroughly mixed and can be used to refill
a store-bought saline nasal spray bottle. Take a spray as
needed, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by its
prompt and efficient action.
Please be advised, however, this preparation is not
adequately preserved, and it will go bad. Make a new
batch daily, or make a big batch and freeze the excess in
ice cube trays to preserve… the last thing someone with sinus problems
needs to do is go and spray a spoiled herbal solution up
their nose…
©
jim
mcdonald
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