Ligusticum porteri (Osha)

Family: Umbelliferae

Part Used: Root

Active Constituents:

Furanocoumarins, monoterpenes, volatile oils

Medicinal Actions:

Anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, diaphoretic

Medicinal Uses:

1)Native Americans used this herb to enhance stamina and protect against illness.

2)Ligusticum is a potent anti-viral, especially indicated for viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.

3)It has immunomodulating , mucolytic and diaphoretic effects.

4)It is also used when residual symptoms of a cough, cold or flu continue to linger.

5)Ligusticum is also indicated for use when a patient has repeated respiratory illnesses occurring in a short period of time. Good for lower respiratory. COPD chronic bronchitis. Viral respiratory illness.

6)Good for people working in children’s facility since lots of colds, places where the weather shift occasionally thus immune system is low.

7)It also alleviates nausea that can accompany a viral illness. It is said to decrease the possibility of secondary bacterial infection due to a local antiseptic effect on the mucous membranes.

8)It is used topically to treat bacterial infections and can be added to sinus lavage formulas.

9)Good for autoimmune , chronic cough, HIV immune compromise patient

Contraindications: None Known

Pharmacy:

Decoction: 1-2 tsp. / Cup water X 15-20 min. TID - QID

Tincture (1:5): 1-4 ml TID

Wash: Use decoction or 5-10 gtt tincture/ half cup solution (Use saline for sinus lavage)