Osha Root

I remember back when I worked in a fair trade store and we sold osha root from a Native American producer group.  The fragrance of osha root, perfumy, earthy, slightly sweet and pungent as a rare incense, would overpower me whenever I opened one of the mason jars where it was stored.  In the midst of so many other wonderful scents: smudge sticks, incense, sheshem wood, palm leaf and kaisa grass baskets, oils, resins, pine needle and beargrass Tarahumara baskets, dream pillows and handmade paper, the pungent aroma of osha root would seduce me like a rare flower.  Osha, truly a queen among herbs!  As a tea or infusion or tincture, osha root is comfort for the sick.  One of the names given to it is bear root, because Native peoples observed that bears would seek it out when they were ill.  Osha root is used to treat colds, ’flu, and other respiratory infections, as well as gastrointestinal disturbances and sore throat.  Though it tastes a little strong (a bit like fresh parsnips to me), it is also somehow wonderfully soothing.  It is not safe for use during pregnancy.  The root is used both fresh and dry.

     Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is found in the mountain areas of the American Southwest, as well as the mountains of northern Mexico.  It is generally found in rich, partially-shaded soils.  It has been very seriously overharvested in the wild, as it is difficult (some would say nearly impossible) to artificially cultivate.  Though not considered endangered, it is definitely threatened in many areas.  Some commercial interests have cleaned out whole ranges.  It is important to obtain osha root from small, environmentally-conscious sources; or if harvesting in the wild, care must be used to leave plenty behind.  It is against the law to harvest osha on some public or tribal lands, so know what the law is before you harvest.  Actually, osha foraging is a matter best left to those who are experienced at it, as it is very easy to mistake poisonous water hemlock for osha (a mistake that you’ll make, as they say, only once).  There are some good books and sites on the internet that explain how to tell these two plants apart, but a knowledgeable herbalist is your best bet if you have any doubts.  And remember, always ask about the harvesting methods that suppliers use, and if you have any doubt about whether their emphasis is on sustainability when they harvest this sacred plant, just say no.