Osha Root
Ligusticum porteri
PLANT NAME
Osha Root
COMMON NAMES
Bear root, Colorado cough root, Porter's lovage
BOTANICAL NAME
Ligusticum porteri
IDENTIFICATION
A perennial herb of the parsley family found in the Rocky Mountains and the mountains of northern Mexico. It has fern-like leaves, clusters of white flowers, and highly aromatic roots with a strong celery-like scent.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Roots.
CULINARY USES
Leaves and seeds can be used sparingly as a seasoning similar to celery or lovage, but primary use is medicinal.
TRADITIONAL USES
Highly valued by Native American and Hispanic cultures in the Southwest as a warming expectorant and antiviral. Used for sore throats, colds, coughs, and altitude sickness.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Grows in high-altitude subalpine meadows. Roots are typically harvested in the late summer or fall. Due to overharvesting, it is considered at risk in the wild.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Generally safe in typical doses, but should be avoided during pregnancy. CAUTION: Extremely easy to confuse with deadly poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) or water hemlock (Cicuta species). Foraging should only be done by experts. Always consult your doctor.