Osha Root Benefits
Osha is an overlooked medicinal plant that is endemic to Northern America. Osha root benefits have been known for centuries, especially, in the Hispanic and Native American cultures. Do you want to know how it can benefit human health? Keep exploring with us.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common Osha root benefits along with possible side effects and precautions. But before we get into how Osha root can benefit human health, it’s worth learning exactly what it is and what medicinal properties it possesses. So, let’s get started.
What is Osha root?
Osha is a perennial medicinal plant that is botanically known as Ligusticum porteri. The root of the plant has been used in traditional medicines for centuries, especially in the Hispanic and Native American cultures. Traditionally, people believe osha root benefits a range of health conditions.
Osha is endemic to the rocky mountainous forest areas in the Northern America. Generally, the plant grows up to three feet tall. The plant goes by many other alternative names such as mountain lovage, bear root, Colorado cough root, and Indian parsley as well as others. Today, the root extract is commonly used to prepare medicines as well as various forms of dietary supplements, ranging from tinctures to capsules to dried herbs.
Active ingredients and medicinal properties
Osha root has been found to possess a number of biologically active ingredients. Some of them have been found to have significant medicinal properties, especially, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting activities.
According to a 2021 review article published in the Plants, some common ingredients that are found pharmacologically active in the osha root include:
- Diligustilide
- Z - butylidenephtalide
- Z - ligustilide
Osha root benefits
Osha root and the active compounds it contains have been found to have noticeable beneficial effects on many health conditions, ranging from upper respiratory health to inflammatory conditions to immunity health. Let’s take a look at some common of them:
Osha root may help fight oxidative stress and inflammation
Osha root extract has potent antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are components that help neutralize unstable oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals that are responsible for large chain reactions and oxidative stress in the body. In addition, oxidative stress has been found linked to chronic inflammation and increased risk of serious health conditions ranging from heart conditions to degenerative brain issues.
In a 2017 study published in Pharmacognosy Research, scientists found that osha root extract has noticeable antioxidant effects that can help reduce certain inflammatory markers.
Osha root may help protect against infection
Osha root extract has been found to have significant antimicrobial activities, which may help protect against various types of infections. Studies suggest that Z-ligustilide, the main active ingredient in osha root, has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In a 2005 research review of Flavour and Fragrance Journal, researchers concluded that osha root essential oil compounds have the capacity to modulate drug resistance in infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Osha root may help manage blood sugar levels
One animal study in the Journal of Natural Products published in 2011 suggests that osha root extract may help reduce blood sugar levels. However human research is needed to confirm this effect.
Osha root may help protect against stomach conditions
Research suggests that osha root extract may help protect against stomach conditions. A 2015 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows that osha root extract has significant gastroprotective effects which may help prevent the formation of stomach conditions.
How to use Osha root
Osha is available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, teas, and essential oils. Doses and methods of use may vary from person to person depending on personal health needs. It’s recommended to consult with a certified natural medicine professional to determine individual dosage and method of use.
For tincture use, a dosage of 20 to 30 drops is often recommended two to three times a day which can be taken with water or any favorite fruit juice.
Here you can see our pure and natural Osha Root Tincture
Side effects and precautions
Osha root supplements are possibly safe and well-tolerable for most adults. No side effects are known due to limited human research. The plant is easily confused with water and poison hemlock. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to purchase osha root supplements only from certified suppliers. Moreover, breastfeeding and pregnant women are not advisable to use osha root supplements without prior consultation with a certified natural health professional.
Final words
Osha root has been used in traditional medicines for many health benefits. Research suggests that osha root has significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which may help in oxidative stress, inflammation, blood sugar control, and protection from infections. It’s best to consult with a certified natural health professional prior to adding osha supplements into the daily routine.