Osha Root

The scientific name of osha plant is Ligusticum porteri, and it is native to North America. Osha plant is a member of the plant family, Umbelliferae and is related to parsley, lovage, and dill. The plant is characterized by a long, thin and hollow stalk with large divided leaves and flowers and seeds spreading out like a umbrella at the top of the plant. The osha plant can look slightly similar to parsley and carrot, and it has a sweet, but strong smell that resembles the smell of celery.

The Root of Osha Plant

Osha plant is also known as 'bear medicine', as bears have been found to be greatly attracted to this plant. Bears are usually observed to search for osha and consume its root whenever they are wounded or sick or after the winter hibernation. Osha plant is also used in some native American ceremonies. The plant is known to possess anti-microbial, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, decongestant, anesthetic, emmenagogue, and stimulant properties. The native Americans also use its root for some health benefits, which are enlisted below.

• It is known to have antibacterial and anti-viral properties. It can prove quite effective for treating cold and flu, especially if taken early. It can also help to provide relief in upper respiratory infections.
• It is used for the natural treatment of bronchial infections and sore throat as well. Due to its numbing effect, it can soothe sore throats.
• Osha is known to boost the immune system and enhance its ability to prevent infections and diseases.
• This herb can be used for relieving cough and congestion as well. It basically helps to make the cough productive. It can be mixed with honey to make a syrup to get faster relief from cough.
• It has a bitter taste, but it helps to stimulate appetite. It is a common herbal medicine used by the native Americans for indigestion and upset stomach.
• It is also used for toothache. It acts like a mild anesthetic and numbs the area to reduce toothache.
• A tea prepared from the root of osha plant can be used topically for small cuts and wounds, due to its antibacterial properties.
• Apart from these, root of the osha plant is sometimes effective for the alleviation of tonsillitis, sinus congestion, stomach pain, asthma, and allergies, pharyngitis, bronchial inflammation, rhinitis, nausea, vomiting, and pneumonia.

Osha Root Adverse Effects

Osha plant can look quite similar to some other plants including, poison hemlock. So, proper identification of osha plant may pose a problem. Moreover, some people can be allergic to osha, in which case its ingestion can produce allergic reaction. It is not recommended to be used in high dosage for a prolonged time period. Use of this root for extended period of time can adversely affect the kidneys and the liver. On the other hand, osha can pass into human breast milk and it is usually advised to be avoided by the pregnant and nursing women. Ingestion of a high amount of this root or its preparations during pregnancy can cause uterine contractions.

Osha plant can be mainly found in open meadows and dry and upland ravines. Its roots are harvested from the wild to prepare whole or powdered dried roots, which are used as herbal medicine. You can also find it in the form of complex syrup in the market, that is primarily used for cough and congestion. Though considered as highly effective for curing several ailments, the root of osha plant should be taken after consulting a herbalist and a certified physician. To avoid any adverse effect, it should be used only in the appropriate dosage.