Cultivating ‘Calming’ Herbs

August 19, 2008

The Yerba Mensa Plant
An herb native to New Mexico, with qualities that many claim to be almost mythical has been used medicinally for centuries throughout the Southwest by American Indians and Hispanics to treat ailments ranging from toothaches to sinus infections.

The Herb, known as yerba mansa , is on the “watch” list by United Plant Savers. Cultivation of the herb was chosen because it is a resilient native crop that will grow in almost any conditions. Bill Quiroga, President of the Native American Botanics and Yaquis tribe member in Tucson, Ariz., says that one of the best ways to grow yerba mansa is with aeroponics.

Though his research has been halted due to lack of funding. “We have to find ways to grow it so that we keep the herb for later generations,” Quiroga’s goal is to have American Indian farmers grow the herbs with aeroponics, and supply his wholesale company.

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