Synopsis

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

Osha (Ligusticum porteri) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and Hispanic communities in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The root has been employed as a remedy for various respiratory ailments, including coughs, bronchitis, and sore throat, with special emphasis on its application for spasmodic or persistent coughs. Traditional preparations often included teas, tinctures, or chewed fresh roots, aiming to soothe irritated airways and promote expectoration.

While there is abundant ethnobotanical documentation for osha’s use in treating cough, there are few high-quality scientific studies evaluating its efficacy or mechanism of action. Some laboratory analyses have identified the presence of compounds such as ligustilide and other phthalides, as well as essential oils, which are thought to possess mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, direct clinical evidence supporting osha’s effectiveness for spastic cough in humans is lacking. Thus, its use for this indication is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation.

More about Osha
More about Cough (spastic)

Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)

Other health conditions supported by Osha

Products containing Osha