Description: Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica), a.k.a. Lizard Tail, is a stoloniferous perennial flowering plant within the family Saururaceae, that has woolly stems, 4-20 in. high, are subtended by large, waxy, dull gray-green basal leaves that lay flat on the ground and form mats that from a distance look like a permanent pasture. Stems root as they grow along the surface, forming an unusual, solid ground cover (Fig. 01). Yerba mansa is showy in spring when in bloom. Spikes of odd, whitish flowers occur at the top of the flowering stem. The conic white 'flowers' (actually reduced inflorescences, or pseudanthia) are borne in early spring, and are surrounded by 5-10 large white bracts (Fig. 02). Similar to the sunflower family, what appears to be a single bloom (its spike) is in reality a dense cluster of individual small flowers borne in an inflorescence. In this species the conical inflorescence with its tiny white florets and the large white bracts beneath it, makes the whole structure quite striking when it blooms in spring. however they are quite ugly in late summer and winter. The plant exudes a unique fragrance on warm days. The conical structure develops into a tough capsule that can be carried downstream to spread its tiny pepper-like seeds. As it matures, the visible part of the plant develops red stains, eventually turning bright red in the fall. Native to southwestern U.S and Northwest Mexico, this is a marsh and creekside plant, that is alkaline tolerant. It is common in wet, especially subalkaline places, below 6,500 feet and through cismontane and desert areas from Nevada to Texas and Mexico from March-Sept.
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The aromatic rootstock has been put to many medicinal uses: treatment of abrasions, cuts, and burns; a cure for a variety of gastrointestinal upsets; a poultice for rheumatism; a tonic for blood purification. Leaves were utilized medicinally as a poultice to reduce swelling. When it peppery root was dried, it was used for sore throat; powder put on boils, cuts, and sores (also used for animal sores). Pounded up and soaked in water; the water was drunk for a bad stomach. The root tea is taken as a blood purifier; and the plant, in the form of a wash or poultice, is used for rheumatism, while the wilted leaves are said to reduce swellings. The plant was so valued by the Spanish-Californians that they would travel or send long distances for it. In the medical world it is beginning to be used in diseases of the mucous membrane, swollen gums and sore throat. An infusion of roots can be taken as a diuretic to treat rheumatic diseases like gout by ridding the body of excess uric acid, which causes painful inflammation of the joints. Yerba mansa prevents the buildup of uric acid crystals in the kidneys which could causes kidney stones if left untreated. A powder of dried root can be sprinkled on infected areas to alleviate athlete's footor diaper rash. The Chumash believed that many diseases were really just one, blood trouble. "Freshening" or purifying the blood, thereby restoring balance and harmony in the patient’s body, was the goal of a number of treatments. Some people in Las Cruces, New Mexico use the leaves to make a poultice to relieve muscle swelling and inflammation.
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