Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) is a perennial herb in the carrot and parsley family (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae).
Some believe it also boosts the immune system.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
Verywell / Getty Images
What Is Osha Root?
In North America, there are 12 species of Ligusticum.Among these,L.
porteriis known as “true” osha.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Native Americans traditionally used osha to treat lung and heart ailments.
In Mexico, the Tarahumara believedL.
portericould protect people from witches and rattlesnakes.
It was also used to connect with the spirit world, and the roots were sometimes burned during ceremonies.
Researchers have more recently studied osha root for its benefits on the immune system and other conditions.
May Protect Against Oxidative Stress
Some studies have looked at the roots protective effect onoxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is sparked by an imbalance offree radicalsandantioxidantsand can result in illness and disease.
In a 2016 study, researchers extracted human peripheral lymphocytes (a form of awhite blood cell).
The cells were incubated with different concentrations of osha root extract.
They measured the protective effect of osha against oxidative damage by inducing oxidative stress.
The following year, the researchers tested osha root extract on human promyelocyticleukemiacells.
The goal was to see osha’s effects on oxidative stress andinflammation.
Researchers incubated the leukemia cells with different concentrations of osha root.
They found that the extract didn’t reduce or treat the leukemia cells.
It did, however, have a protective effect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
These studies did not include human trials.
Human trials are needed to determine dosages and safety of ingestion, among other things.
Oxidative stress can play a role in certain diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.
Still, more studies are needed to determine whether osha root would benefit any of these conditions.
May Fight Infections
Osha root is sometimes used to prevent infections.
This is because its thought to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
It has been applied directly to wounds to prevent infections and help with healing.
Osha’sphthalides(special plant chemicals), includingZ-ligustilideandZ-6,6',7,3'-alpha-diligustilidemay be responsible for this effect.
However, since the study was conducted with mice, whether these findings apply to humans is unknown.
Proponents and supplement manufacturers also claim osha root extract can help people withasthma,emphysema, and otherrespiratory infections.
Precautions
It may be unsafe to consume osha when you’re pregnant.
Ingesting osha may trigger menstruation in pregnant people, which could cause miscarriage.
Effects during breastfeeding are unknown.
It’s recommended that you avoid osha during this time.
Osha must be prepared carefully.
The root can be confused with the poisonous plant hemlock, which is fatal if ingested.
Osha and hemlock can often be differentiated by examining their roots and smell.
Osha is also sacred to Indigenous groups of North America.
Dosage: How Much Osha Should I Take?
Osha is sold in various forms, including whole, dried, and fresh roots.
Additionally, it can be found in multi-ingredient products such as tea and syrup.
There’s no scientific data to establish target ranges for specific uses of osha root.
This makes it hard to determine an appropriate dose.
Several factors, such as age and health, should be taken into consideration when determining doses.
Some manufacturers and distributors recommend doses based on the product’s purpose.
For example, they may suggest a different amount of osha for an infection versus a digestive issue.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Osha?
Speak with your healthcare provider if you have further questions.
Summary
Osha is an herbal supplement with a history of use in Indigenous American medicine.
It is sometimes used to treat common ailments like cough, sore throat, and indigestion.
Its medical uses have not been proven through scientific studies, however.
The University of Kansas Native Medicinal Plant Research Program.Osha.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Ligusticum L.
National Park Service.Southern Ligusticum.
2017;104:127-246. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-45618-8_2
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Secret garden of health & healing, LLC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Field guide for managing poison hemlock in the southwest.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.
Beneficial Botanicals.Osha root tincture.
