Osha Root Whole, Wild Crafted

[ 367 ]
icon image
per 1/4 Pound
Quantity: 
$63.88 
icon image
per Pound
Quantity: 
$138.88 

Osha is a perennial herb that inhabits the mountainous regions of southwestern North America and Mexico, with a particularly wide distribution in the Rocky Mountains. The plant is known by a variety of common names, including Wild Lovage, Indian Parsley, Mountain Carrot and (our favorite) Empress of the Dark Forest. As some of these names suggest, Osha is a member of the carrot and parsley family.

The root has a long history of use by the Zuni tribe of North America, who chew the raw root and use it to produce infusions. Osha root is also used to make teas, tinctures and extracts.

kosher certificate informationwild crafted information

a.
quick look

information at a glance

originunited states
active compoundsVolatile oils, Essential oil, Terpenes, Lactone glycoside, Saponins, Ferulic acid, Phytosterols.
plant part usedroot
processingwhole Osha root
sustainabilitywild crafted

b.
buying & keeping

general guidelines and tips

storage tipsStore in a sealed container away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
appearance & aromaDried root with a nutty and faint vanilla-like aroma.

c.
uses

try something new

cosmeticHot water infusions are used as skin washes and gargles.
culinarySmall pieces may be prepared as tea. The addition of other herbs will enhance flavor.
aromaticBurn as smudge or incense over charcoal.

some recommendations

other products to love

[ echinacea root ]

Tincture the roots of osha and echinacea together.

shop now

[ sweet grass ]

Partner whole osha root pieces with sweet grass braids in traditional smudging ceremonies.

shop now

d.
flavor profile

whole
osha root

While not particularly palatable, the dried root brings a mild tingling sensation to tongue and gums.

e.
formulas & recipes

whole
osha root

coming soon

f.
what else you should know

whole
osha root

Osha was (and still is) a sacred herb to various Native American tribes, including the Zuni, Aztec, Chiricahua, Yaqui, Tarahumara, and Mescalero Apache. While the seed and leaf were once traditional foods, the root was attached to moccasins or tied about the ankle to protect the wearer from rattlesnakes. Flathead tribe members ritually washed freshly harvested roots in streams near plant growth locations to precipitate rainfall in times of drought.

Osha is commonly burned as a purifying incense or smudge to guard against malicious spirits and as well as harmful pathogens. In terms of the latter, the root is traditionally used in ways similar to Echinacea root.


Background: This American native herb is found in upland meadows and ravines, and thrives in many, many areas with an affinity for the southern Rocky Mountains. It was both a sacred and indispensable herb to many tribes of Native Americans including the Zuni, Aztec, Chiricahua, Yaqui, Tarahumara, and Mescalero Apache tribes. The seed and leaf were eaten.

Some burned it as a purifying incense for protection from evil spirits and dangerous pathogens. Osha has been fervently used for centuries, in ways similar to Echinacea.

Native American runners chewed roots for increased endurance.

Attached to moccasins or tied about the ankle it was used to protect the wearer from rattlesnakes.

Flathead tribe members ritually washed freshly harvested roots in streams near plant growth locations to precipitate rainfall in times of drought. Fresh or dried root brings a tingling sensation to tongue and gums.

Description: Ligusticum porteri has a long, thin, hollow stalk with large divided leaves similar to the related parsley and carrot. Stem, leaf can reach to 2 ft in height. Seeds and flowers top the plant spreading outward in an arrangement resembling an umbrella. Flowers are white. Plant and seeds have a celery-like fragrance. Root is haired, brown outside, yellow inside. This native American perennial herb thrives in dry, upland meadows and ravines. Its fern shape leaves are spotted in various shades of green, turning golden yellow. For medicinal uses the tap root is harvested at maturity.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised: 
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor,
especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.