Oshá : Rocky Mountain Bear Medicine

by Lindsay Knecht

Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere has come and gone. That means it’s time to focus our attention to root medicine! Traditionally, herbalists save root harvest for the fall. This is when the aerial parts of the plant die back and all the plant’s energy returns to their roots. Harvesting at this time of year results in the most potent root medicine. 

In the Western Rocky Mountains of North America a very special root is known to grow. In areas in the Southwest, Mexico and the upper Rio Grande, it is referred to as Chuchupate, an ancient Aztec name for “bear medicine”. Throughout herbalism it is known as Oshá, Bear Root, or Lovage (Ligusticum porteri). 

Bear Medicine you ask?  In many cultures around the world, bears symbolize strength and healing; they truly are the herbalists of the animal kingdom. In fact, it has been documented that bears use over 40 species of plants as medicine and food. Oshá is especially important to the bears of North America. They are known to seek out Oshá roots in the spring after coming out of hibernation. 

Once they find an Oshá plant, the bears will dig and chew the roots then spray it into their hands, on their fur, and rub it all over themselves. Oshá is superior at moving stagnation and it stimulates any organ it passes through. It is especially stimulating to the excretory system (skin, kidneys, intestines and lungs), so it makes perfect sense that bears seek out this plant for these actions after their long winter slumber. To go even deeper down the den, there is documentation of male bears using Oshá in courtship by presenting this plant as gifts to female mates! ​

As the bears instinctively know, Oshá is a powerful medicinal for our species as well. This plant has strong volatile oils, and thus, has the ability to cross the brain-blood barrier. The entire plant can be used, but most commonly the herb’s root is dug and tinctured, chewed, or dried for tea. My personal experience includes using Oshá tincture for bronchial infections and general immune support upon the onset of cold or flu-like symptoms. I love to use this powerful ally when you need to kick your system into high gear.  Honey infused with Oshá root makes a fabulous cough syrup and delicious addition to herbal teas. With the distinct celery crossed with licorice flavor Oshá leaves have traditionally been used for seasoning soups and stews in southwest cultures.  The leaves are also medicinal and can be used as an herbal smoke or tea. Oshá has emmenagogic tendencies and can sometimes induce menstruation. For this reason, it is recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. 

In my opinion, the main consideration when wildcrafting, especially when we’re talking about root medicine, is being ethical.  What I mean by that is, typically when you harvest a root, you’re extinguishing the life of the plant. It is important to ask yourself, ‘how badly and how much do I really need?’

Oshá is on the United Plant Savers “At Risk” list. United Plant Savers is the only organization of its kind focused on the conservation of native medicinal plant species of North America and their habitats. The “At Risk” label indicates that Oshá has been in decline over the last several decades and is one of a handful of medicinal plants that are severely at risk of over harvest and sensitive to the impact of human activities. Oshá is very difficult (almost impossible) to cultivate. It only grows in certain conditions, usually on mountain sides over 7,000 ft altitude. (I like to say Oshá has the best views of all the flora in North America). Plus, Oshá seeds do not readily germinate. Michael Cottingham recommends planting the umbel and then stepping on it, to mimic elk hoof prints where Oshá seedlings have been observed.  We wildcraft Oshá responsibly, (only a small amount for personal use) from a few pieces of land that we intend to steward for years to come.  Good news is, studies by Dr. Kelly Kindscher and colleagues have indicated that rhizomes left in the ground can re-sprout! This is very exciting for those of us who want to assure abundance and access to these medicines in the future. ​

Oshá is a member of the Apiaceae family. This is a notorious plant family that includes a variety of other edible and medicinal plants like Dill, Parsley, Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), as well as the deadly Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.). The two Hemlocks are very close look-alikes to our beloved Oshá. This makes identification all the more important with this medicinal.  There are several important characteristics to check for when identifying Oshá. (I chose not to elaborate on those here due to the sensitive nature of this plant). Please do not attempt to wildcraft Oshá on your own without prior hands-on experience guided by other experienced herbalists or field botanists. 

A very sustainable substitute for Oshá can be Pine needles and sap (Pinus spp.). Pine is plentiful and readily available in most regions. It’s fantastic for your immune and respiratory systems and acts in the body similarly to Oshá. ​

Oshá is an under appreciated herbal medicine, yet an herb that is misused and exploited in the Rocky Mountains. I hope you can find a way to utilize the amazing Oshá plant when it is both local to your region and truly needed. Please leave the rest for the Bears. 

References:
Kindscher, K. et. al. 
   (2019) The Sustainable Harvest of Wild Populations of Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Southern Colorado for the Herbal Products Trade. Economic Botany, XX(X), 2019, pp. 1–16.
      (2017). Harvesting and Recolonization of Wild Populations of Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Southern Colorado. Natural Areas Journal, 37(2), 178–187.

Curtin, L., Moore, M. (1947/1997) Healing Herb of the Upper Rio Grande, Sante Fe: Western Edge Press. 

And thank you to YouTube Channels:
    Michael Cottingham (Voyage Botanica)
    The School of Evolutionary Herbalism     ​

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Lindsay Knecht has been studying nutritional healing and herbalism in the Vitalist tradition since 2010. She has achieved several certifications in related fields, most notably the Medicinal Plant Conservation Certificate through United Plant Savers. Interning with United Plant Savers in the Spring of 2016 had a huge impact on the way she views the usage of our medicinal plant species and their habitats. She is passionate about sustainable herbalism and spreading awareness in regards to ethical wildcrafting. Originally from Texas, Lindsay now resides in Western Colorado with her fiancé and their 3 dogs. They enjoy the many outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer including wildcrafting and foraging, gardening, camping, rafting, hiking, rock climbing and more. You can follow along with Lindsay on Instagram: @lindsblends. She can also be reached via email at [email protected].

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