Sometimes referred to as Mountain Balm, Tarweed and Gum Bush, Yerba Santa is a low, shrubby evergreen plant, 2 to 4 feet high, found growing abundantly in clumps on dry hills in California and Northern Mexico. Yerba Santa, which means "Holy Weed," was so named by Spanish missionaries after being introduced to its benefits by local Indian tribes. This Native American ceremonial herb can be burned as-is or used in smudging mixtures and blends.