Osha

Ligusticum porteri

COMMON NAMES

• Chuchupate
• Colorado Cough Root
• Osha

As Echinacea is the antibacterial herb from the American Great Plains, osha is the antibacterial herb of the American Rocky Mountains. Osha is a perennial herb bearing glossy, toothed compound leaves and greenish yellow flowers. It has a camphor like scent due to its essential oil, which is responsible for much of its healing properties. The root of the plant is the part used in herbal medicine.

USES

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. It is very useful for stubborn respiratory conditions and viruses that linger.

CONSIDERATIONS

Osha is available as a tincture and can be made into a hand bath. Most over-the-counter osha formulas for colds and flu combine osha with Echinacea and goldenseal in an alcohol based tincture; be sure to read labels carefully if you are sensitive to either herb.

It you take this herb on its own for extended periods of time, take a week-long break every couple of months. Osha should not be used during pregnancy, as large amounts may cause uterine contractions.

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