|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Osha Root is one of the most important herbs of the Rocky Mountains, considered sacred by the Native Americans and widely esteemed by them for its broad and effective warm healing power. Many tribes burned it as incense for purification to ward off airborne illness in their homes and also subtle negative influences and thoughts. Osha is said to be associated with mystical dreaming as well. The strength of this herb is immediately apparent by its strong odor and illustrates superiority over the Chinese (ligusticum wallichii) variety, which has very different healing properties.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Description: Osha Root, Whole, 1 oz.
Botanical name: Ligusticum porteri
is an herbal plant native to the Rocky Mountains of North America and can be
found at altitudes of up to 10,000 ft. It is a perennial growing in rich, moist soil often found in aspen groves,
upland meadows or ravines. Osha is a relative of the European lovage plant and is a member of the Umbelliferae family, as is parsley and dill, and it has the same long thin hollow stalk with large divided leaves that can reach to heights of 2 to 3 feet. The seeds and flowers are at the top of the plant and spread out in the form of an umbrella, hence its Latin family name. This herb has white flowers and the seeds have a sweet and strong celery-like fragrance, as does the entire plant. The root is very hairy, brown on the outside and
yellow on the inside.
The plant has several other names: Chuchupate, Indian parsley, Porter’s lovage, mountain lovage, bear root, bear medicine, nipo and Colorado cough root. Chuchupate is the common Mexican name for Osha and is said to be an ancient Aztec term meaning “bear medicine.” Bears respond to the herb like cats do to catnip. They will roll on it and cover themselves with its scent.
This is one of the most important herbs of the Rocky Mountains, considered sacred by the Native Americans and widely esteemed by them for its broad and effective warm healing power. Many tribes burned it as incense for purification to ward off airborne illness in their homes and also subtle negative influences and thoughts. Osha is said to be associated with mystical dreaming as well. The strength of this herb is immediately apparent by its strong odor and illustrates superiority over the Chinese (ligusticum wallichii) variety, which has very different healing properties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
