of the mucous membranes, 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 cause kidney stones if left untreated. A powder of dried root can be sprinkled on infected areas to alleviate athlete's foot or diaper rash. Yerba mansa is versatile, it can be taken orally as a tea, tincture, infusion or dried in capsule form. It can be used externally for soaking inflamed or infected areas. It can be ground and used as a dusting powder. Some people in Las Cruces, New Mexico use the leaves to make a poultice to relieve muscle swelling and inflammation. The leaves and roots have also been used to heal and disinfect wounds and sores. Crafts Dried floral structures are used in dried arrangements. Dried plant parts (leaves, floral structure) emit a spicy fragrance and are used in potpourri. Horticulture In the deserts of California, yerba mansa is being used as turf in public parks and ground cover in gardens. References External links Plants For A Future database Medicinal plants Jepson Manual Treatment USDA Plants Profile Medicinal Uses and Harvesting Piperales genera Monotypic magnoliid genera Flora of California Flora of Oregon Flora of Arizona Flora of Texas Flora of Colorado Flora of Utah Flora of Kansas Flora of Oklahoma Flora of Baja California Flora of Sonora Flora of Chihuahua (state) Flora of the California desert regions Natural history of the Mojave Desert Natural history of the California Coast Ranges Natural history of the Central Valley (California) Garden plants of North America Drought-tolerant plants Saururaceae Flora without expected TNC conservation status