dennishardyND
Osha root is a member of the Carrot or Apiaceae family of plants and is also known as Colorado Cough Root, Chuchupate and Mountain Lovage, among many other regional names. It was traditionally used by the Jicarilla Apache in ceremonial smoking blends with tobacco as well as by decoction to soothe sore throats and loosen phlegm in the chest. Osha was listed in the 1918 United States Dispensatory as Ligusticum filicinum and indicated for respiratory ailments. This same use has been confirmed historically in folk culture through interviews with Hispanic families in the San Luis valley in Colorado. It is native to the Rocky Mountain regions above 8,000 feet in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Structure Function Claims
Supports the Health of the Upper Respiratory System.
Supports the Functions of the Mucous Membranes of the Upper Respiratory System.
Supports Healthy Function of the Immune System.
Mechanism of Theraputic Action
Osha Root contains a number of volatile oils including camphor. It is noted for its ability to elevate body temperature and induce sweating (diaphoretic) which may explain its ability to modulate immune function. The extract also has a local anesthetic effect for which it is well known in Native American cultures as a gargle for sore throats.