Condition
Treatment Support
antiviral; warming respiratory stimulant
Application
tea, tincture, chewed root pieces
Osha
(Ligusticum porteri)
Botanical Information
A medium-sized perennial herb with toothed, compound leaves and umbels of yellow flowers, and later, small plump aromatic fruits.
Working with Osha
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb, powder.
Osha is used in the treatment of coughs, sore throats, colds, flu, fever, and suppressed menses. It is known for its antiviral properties and diaphoretic properties.
Herbalists often carry a root in their pocket or medicine-bag. A small piece is placed in the mouth and sucked to help relieve sore throats, coughs, hoarseness, and other symptoms of colds or flu-like syndromes, especially when accompanied by clear copious mucus, body aches, or chills with little or no fever (wind-cold). This method also works well for toothache or infection. A small piece of the root chewed to a pulp and placed between the teeth and cheek near an infected painful tooth can bring fast relief of pain and help heal the infection.
Osha has a taste of ACRID, SPICY and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Large doses of osha can cause digestive irritation. Use only for short-term acute infections; the herb is difficult to cultivate and could easily be overharvested, depleting populations.
Conditions treated with Osha
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant, expectorant
Application
tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-microbial
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial, anaesthetic
Application
tincture, chewed dried root as a poultice
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
