Osha Usage

Osha is frequently recommended for use at the first sign of a respiratory infection. Like a sauna, it will typically induce sweating, and according to folk wisdom this may help avert the development of a full-blown cold . Osha is also taken during respiratory infections as a cough suppressant and expectorant, hence the common name "Colorado cough root." However, there have not been any double-blind placebo-controlled studies to verify these proposed uses. (For information on why double-blind studies are so important, see Why Does This Database Rely on Double-blind Studies? ),

Chinese research suggests that Ligusticum wallichiican relax smooth muscle tissue (perhaps thereby moderating the cough reflex) and inhibit the growth of various bacteria. ¹ Whether these findings apply to osha as well is unknown.

Like other bitter herbs, osha is said to improve symptoms of indigestion and increase appetite.