Oshá

A genus of 25 species of perennials, occurring in northern temperate regions, closely related to Levisticum officinale (See, Lovage). Several different species of Ligusticum are used medicinally. The contain volatile and fixed oils, and a very bitter alkaloid, which has been shown to increase blood flow to coronary arteries and the brain. The Chinese drug chuang-xiang is a mixture of several herbs, the main ones being L. sinense and Carthamus tinctorius (See, safflower). Plants grown in W Sichuan as L chuanxiong are now regarded as a cultivar: L. sinense 'Chuanxiong'. Ligusticum porteri (Oshá) was an important herb among Rocky Mountain tribes who, according to Navajo legend, learned its uses from brown bears-hence the common name, bear root. Apparently the bears chew the roots and rub the maceration into their fur-behavior that may help them protect them against parasites and infections. This highly effective herb has now been adopted by Chinese, Ayurvedic, and western herbalists as superior to L. sinense. It is allegedly difficult to cultivate, being a montane species, rarely found below 10,000ft (3200m). Plants, roots, or seeds offered for sale as L. porteri are often Conioselinum pacificum (hemlock parsley), or the deadly poisonous Conium maculatum (See poison hemlock), and sometimes Levisticum officinale (See Lovage); great care should therefore be taken over the identification of this species. Oshá del campo refers to Angelica pinnata, which apparently has similar properties. Other species with herbal uses include: L. acutilobum, used in China and Japan to facilitate childbirth; L. canbyi (Canby's lovage), used by the Flathead people of N America for colds; L. hultenii (Sea Lovage) with a celery-like flavor, used for culinary purposes in Alaska, especially with seal oil; L. monnieri, used in Vietnamese cuisine, and L. scoticum (Scots lovage), a celery-like plant, often grown as a potherb, but little used medicinally. Ligusticum comes from the Greek ligustikas, describing a plant that grows in the Italian region of Liguria.

Perennial with a large, dark brown, hairy, celery-scented root, hollow stems, and dark green, divided leaves, to 60cm (24in) long, which have a celery—parsley aroma. Tiny white flowers are produced in umbels in summer, followed by seed that taste like celery. Found in wet meadows and ravines 3200-3600m (10,000-12,000 ft).


Common Name:
Oshá
Other Names:
Porter's lovage, Colorado cough root, bear root
Botanical Name:
Ligusticum porteri
Genus:
Ligusticum
Family:
Apiaceae
Native Locations:
Southern Rocky Mountains
Cultivation:
Well-drained to dry soil in sun. Ligusticum sinense tolerats damp conditions. Ligusticum porteri is challenging to cultivate at low elevations.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring: by division in autumn.
Harvest:
Leaves and stems (L. scoticum) are cut in spring for use as a vegetable and at any time as a flavoring. Roots are lifted in autumn and used fresh or dried for oil extraction. (L. porteri), decoctions and tinctures. Seeds are collected when ripe and ground (L. scoticum) or distilled for oil (L. porteri). Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for decoctions (L. sinense).
Height:
45-90cm (18-36in)
Width:
60cm (24in)
Hardiness:
Z3
Parts Used:
Roots, seeds, oil.
Properties:
A bitter, camphoraceous, warming herb that stimulates the circulation, kidneys, and uterus; it improved digestion, relieves spasms, is expectorant, and increases perspiration. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects are reported.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for eruptive fevers, virus infections, bronchial and digestive complaints, coughs, toothache, painful menstruation, and retained placenta. Externally for minor injuries and skin infections.
Culinary Uses:
Dried leaves and seeds, have a flavor reminiscent to celery, parsley, and chervil.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 260-261