Traditionally used to treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections
A perennial plant indigenous to the heights of the southern and central Rocky Mountains in the south-western United States, osha was used medicinally by native Americans to treat sore throats, lung congestion, and other respiratory problems.
"Ligusticum," notes naturopath William Mitchell, "is antimicrobial and antispasmodic. The antimicrobial activity of Ligusticum is the result of furanocoumarins and monoterpenes.... Ligusticum enhances the immune system. As an antibacterial, I combine equal parts of Ligusticum with Echinacea and Astragalus."
In a tone of praise, herbalist David Hoffmann explains that, "The various herbal traditions of the world abound with herbs effective for conditions of the mouth, larynx, and pharynx. Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is an excellent specific."
"If there is dampness and mucus in the lungs," points out herbal practitioner Alan Tillotson, "there will be congestion, wheezing, a heavy sensation, cough, craving for hot drinks, and a thick greasy coating on the tongue. Herbs that reduce mucus in the lungs include... osha root (Ligusticum porteri)."
In his monograph on osha root, Peter Holmes, an expert in Eastern medicine and its harmonization with the medical practice of the West, asserts that this plant, "promotes expectoration, resolves phlegm and relieves wheezing; reduces infection and opens the sinuses; restores the bronchi." Holmes goes on to conclude that, "Specifically, viral infections of the upper pathways are most benefited by this root, which has more affinity for the lungs than any other part. Its silica content helps explain the real restorative action on this organ—evident, for example, in the way it prevents scar tissue from forming in emphysema, silicosis, and so on."
Similarly, herbal writer Sharol Tilgner asserts that osha, "is indicated for any respiratory disease, especially when it is debilitating with much mucus and congestion in the tissues and digestive irritation. As with all herbs high in volatile oils, this plant acts on both respiratory and urinary tracts."
In the same vein herbalist Gazmend Skenderi lists the internal uses of osha as: "inflammatory and spastic conditions of the upper respiratory tract (bronchitis, pharyngitis, minor bronchial asthma, etc.; coughs), genitourinary tract (primary dysmenorrhea, etc.), and gastrointestinal tract (heartburn, flatulence, bloating, nausea, vomiting, cramps)."
Osha is one of our most versatile herbs for treatment of the respiratory system and, as such, is an essential component of our Respirafect™ herbal combination.
Administration:
30-60 drops (1-2 ml), three times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ingredients:
Wildcrafted
Osha (Ligusticum porteri) |
