Osha Root Whole

Botanical Name: Ligusticum porteri

Common Name:

• English: Osha, Bear Root, Chuchupate, Colorado Cough Root, Indian Parsley, Ligusticum porteri, Mountain Lovage, Perejil de Campo, Persil Indien, Porter's Licorice Root, Racine d'Ours, Wild Celery Root
• Also, known as: Loveroot, Porter's Lovage, Porter's Licorice-Root, Porter's Wild Lovage, Wild Lovage, Loveroot, Bear Medicine, Bear Root, Mountain Lovage, Indian Parsley, Wild Parsley, Indian Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Chuchupate, Chuchupati, Chuchupaste, Chuchupatle, Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Carrot, Empress of The Dark Forest, Guariaca, Hierba Del Cochino Or Yerba De Cochino, Raíz Del Cochino, And Washí

Origin: USA

Harvested: Wild 

Parts Used: Root                                                                 

General Information:

Ligusticum porteri, is an herbaceous perennial growing two or three feet tall or more and, above 7,000 feet. The plant has deeply incised, elliptic or lance-shaped leaf segments that are 5 to 40 mm in width with larger basal leaves. Osha has the typical appearance of members of the parsley family, with parsley-like leaves and umbels of white flowers. The white flowers appear during late summer, and are approximately 2 to 5 mm in diameter with five petals. They are grouped in flat-topped, compound umbels and are followed by reddish, oblong, ribbed fruits 5 to 8 mm in length. The bases of the leaves where they attach to the root crowns have a reddish tint which is unique, and the roots are fibrous, with a dark, chocolate-brown, wrinkled outer skin. In winter, the above-ground parts die back to a thick, woody and very aromatic rootstock. When this skin is removed, the inner root tissue is fibrous and yellowish-white with an overpowering, pleasant "spicy celery" fragrance that resembles lovage. The root is used in ritual offerings, as protection, to ward off evil forces and malicious creatures, and as a first-aid medicine. Generally, the roots are harvested in the late summer once the leaves of the plant have begun to turn yellow.

How to use:   

Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.