Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Osha (Ligusticum porteri), also known as "bear root," has a long history of use in traditional Native American and Hispanic herbal medicine, particularly for respiratory conditions such as coughs associated with excess mucus ("damp" cough). Traditional applications often involved using the root as a tea, tincture, or chewed directly to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, sore throat, and productive coughs. The root is believed to have expectorant and antimicrobial properties that help clear mucus from the lungs and soothe throat irritation.

However, scientific validation of these properties is limited. There are few clinical studies specifically examining the efficacy of osha root for cough or respiratory conditions. Most available research consists of phytochemical analyses showing the presence of compounds such as ligustilide and other volatile oils, which are hypothesized to contribute to its traditional uses. Despite this, no high-quality human trials confirm its effectiveness or safety for treating cough, especially compared to conventional therapies. The evidence supporting its use remains primarily anecdotal and rooted in ethnobotanical tradition rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, while osha is widely used in traditional medicine for "damp" cough, the strength of evidence is modest, warranting a rating of 2.

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