Description:Related to lovage; a member of the parsley family. It grows only above 7000 feet in the Rocky Mountain range. Despite the range, Osha is at risk because it does not do well except in the wild, and the root is the part needed. If wildcrafting, make sure to take no more than 30% of roots and only harvest from healthy stands. Our sources are Native American and are very careful to practice the stewardship of our natural resources.
Main constituents: terpenes, lactone glycoside, saponins, ferulic acid, phytosterols
Properties: antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, decongestant, immune system stimulant
Uses:Externally: Antibacterial; useful for skin wounds. Internally: Good for coughs, colds, flu, and respiratory conditions. Chew root to increase endurance. Use with echinacea to fight an increase in white blood cell count. A good cough syrup consists of ground Osha Root with twice the amount of honey in a fine mesh tea bag or cheesecloth. Steep for an hour and use. YOU CAN RE-USE OSHA several times before its therapeutic properties are exhausted.
Safety Considerations: DO NOT USE during pregnancy and breastfeeding. CAUTION, WILDCRAFTERS! Osha Root can be confused with poisonous hemlock. Osha is quite hairy with a celery-like smell. Inner pith is yellowish and soapy in texture.
Magical:
Folk Names: Wild Lovage, Mountain Carrot, Empress of the Dark Forest, and many more. The common Mexican name, Chuchupate, is said to be Aztec for "bear medicine." Osha is for bears what catnip is for cats. They eat it when emerging from hibernation to cleanse their digestive system. Male bears even offer Osha Root to females as part of courtship!
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Uses: Wear in medicine pouch and around ankle to ward off rattlesnakes. Wash the roots in a mountain stream near where they are harvested to help bring rain (Flathead Indian tradition).