Native American herb found in upland meadows and ravines in the southern Rocky Mountains. Leading herbalists say it can be used like Echinacea for the treatment of viral infections, colds, flu, sore throat and upper respiratory congestion. It is also quite effective on allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and indigestion.
Antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it useful as a treatment for general infections. Stimulates circulation, kidneys and the uterus.

Osha is considered to be a "warming" herb, strongly for the respiratory system and mildly for other body systems, including the upper gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, central nervous system, lymphatic, reproductive, integumentary, and parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. It is used for such conditions as head colds with dry, irritating coughs, the initial stages of acute pharyngitis, as well as subacute pharyngitis that has been slow to heal, early stage tonsillitis, acute influenza with coughing and dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and acute bronchial pneumonia with dyspnea. When used with echinacea, it is effective against leukocytosis (an increase in white blood cells), which is usually indicative of an impending infection.

Because of its strong antiviral proterties, it should be taken at the first minimal signs of flu or cold, which often include a dulling of the mind because of sinus congestion. It is extremely good for sore throats and bronchial inflammations, and will soothe and anesthetize almost immediately, and, with its diaphoretic properties, causes sweating, thereby helping to eliminate toxins. It is especially good in cough syrups. A simple syrup is to mix the ground root with twice the amount of honey, steep for an hour, then press out when cool and use the liquid.

Because the root strongly affects the respiratory system, making it stronger, it seems to help those travelling, or living, at higher altitudes.

The tea, powdered root, or tincture is also antibacterial and excellent on skin wounds to prevent infection.

Osha is excellent for stomach indigestion and for cramping or pain associated with the beginnings of ulceration. Although it is the root that is used medicinally, the leaves and seeds make excellent culinary additions.

Osha roots can be used several times before the medicinal properties are exhausted.

Osha was originally used by Native Americans to treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Since osha displays a strong affinity for the respiratory system, Native American runners would chew the root to increase endurance. It was also worn in medicine pouches and around the ankles to ward off rattlesnakes. Flathead Indians would wash the roots in a mountain stream near where the root was growing to help bring rain or water.

Other species, Ligusticum canbyi and Ligusticum scorticum, can be used interchangeably with Ligusticum porteri.

Key Actions
antiviral
carminative
diaphoretic
diuretic
decongestant
stimulates the immune system

Key components
volatile oils
essential oil
terpenes
lactone glycoside
saponins
ferulic acid
phytosterols
 

Not to be used during pregnancy or if breast feeding.

• Recommended Dosage

Tincture: [Dry Root, 1:5, 70% alcohol], 20-60 drops up to 5X a day. 

Cold Infusion, 2-6 ounces, as needed.

Read More About It

• Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition by Dan Bensky, Steven Clavey, et al.

• Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore.