Osha

Botanical name
Ligusticum porteri

Common Names
Chuchupate/Chuchupaste/Chuchupatle/Chuchupati Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Empress Of The Dark Forest, Bear Medicine, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Mountain Carrot.

Parts Used
Root

Active Constituents
Essential oil, ferulic acid, glycoside, lactone, phytosterols, triterpene saponins

Plant Introduction
osha is a perennial, growing above 7,000 feet throughout the entire Rocky Mountain range from Mexico to Canada. The plant stands about two or three feet in height and posseses the characteristic umbel (umbrella) flower shape and leaves that look a little like parsley. It can be stubborn and strong, often growing in aspen groves among their roots, making digging very difficult. Osha does not like to be domesticated, and is virtually impossible to grow under cultivation. Because the plants do not reproduce freely, most, if not all, of the commercially available osha is taken from the wild; and, because the root is the part of the plant taken, widespread harvesting will diminish availability unless the harvesting is done very carefully. It is one of the few herbs that can be dried in the sun without harm and will last for years in the dried form. It will not rot because of the potent antibacterial and antiviral substances in the root.

Medical Applications
Osha is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is ideal for viral infections of the sinuses, throat, and upper and lower respiratory systems. It helps bring up respiratory secretions and relaxes smooth muscle, making it beneficial for coughs and asthmatic breathing difficulties. Osha induces sweating and helps eliminate toxins through the pores of the skin.

Benefits of osha for specific health conditions include the following: Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Osha is a traditional remedy in Native American medicine and home remedies of the American West for providing long-term relief of inflammation.

Bronchitis, colds, influenza, and sinusitis. One of the active constituents of osha is Z-ligustilide, which acts gently against bacterial and yeast infections. In the minute quantities provided by the herb, this chemical stops the multiplication of bacteria and yeast cells while relaxing the muscles lining the respiratory passages.

Side Effects:
Osha looks similar to Poison Hemlock and Water Hemlock (maintain caution while purchasing). It is not recommended during pregnancy.


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