Osha Root (Ligusticum porter)
Osha is a perennial herb that inhabits the mountainous regions of southwestern North America and Mexico, with a particularly wide distribution in the Rocky Mountains. The plant is known by a variety of common names, including Wild Lovage, Indian Parsley, Mountain Carrot and (our favorite) Empress of the Dark Forest. As some of these names suggest, Osha is a member of the carrot and parsley family.
Ligusticum porteri has a long, thin, hollow stalk with large divided leaves similar to the related parsley and carrot. Stem, leaf can reach to 2 ft in height. Seeds and flowers top the plant spreading outward in an arrangement resembling an umbrella. Flowers are white. Plant and seeds have a celery-like fragrance. Root is haired, brown outside, yellow inside. This native American perennial herb thrives in dry, upland meadows and ravines. Its fern shape leaves are spotted in various shades of green, turning golden yellow.
Origin: United States
Active Compounds: Volatile oils, Essential oil, Terpenes, Lactone glycoside, Saponins, Ferulic acid, Phytosterols.
Plant Part Used: root
Sustainability: wild crafted
Storage Tips: Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
Appearance and Aroma: Dried root with a nutty and faint vanilla-like aroma.
Cosmetic Uses: Hot water infusions are used as skin washes and gargles.
Culinary Uses: Small pieces may be prepared as teas, tinctures, infusions and extracts. The addition of other herbs will enhance flavor.
Aromatic Uses: Burn as smudge or incense over charcoal.
Flavor Profile: While not particularly palatable, the dried root brings a mild tingling sensation to tongue and gums.
Other information about Osha Root:
This American native herb is found in upland meadows and ravines, and thrives in many, many areas with an affinity for the southern Rocky Mountains. It was both a sacred and indispensable herb to many tribes of Native Americans including the Zuni, Aztec, Chiricahua, Yaqui, Tarahumara, and Mescalero Apache tribes.
Osha was (and still is) a sacred herb to various Native American tribes, including the Zuni, Aztec, Chiricahua, Yaqui, Tarahumara, and Mescalero Apache. While the seed and leaf were once traditional foods, the root was attached to moccasins or tied about the ankle to protect the wearer from rattlesnakes. Native American runners chewed roots for increased endurance.
Flathead tribe members ritually washed freshly harvested roots in streams near plant growth locations to precipitate rainfall in times of drought. The root has a long history of use by the Zuni tribe of North America, who chew the raw root and used it to produce infusions.
Osha is also commonly burned as a purifying incense or smudge to guard against malicious spirits and as well as harmful pathogens. In terms of the latter, the root is traditionally used in ways similar to Echinacea root. Some burned it as a purifying incense for protection from evil spirits and dangerous pathogens. Osha has been fervently used for centuries, in ways similar to Echinacea.
Safety: Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.