Osha

Ligusticum porteri
Family: Apiaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the American Southwest. This plant grows at
altitude, often as high as 8,000 feet. It is one of our best indigenous treatments for
viral infection, and may readily waylay the onset of cold or flu if used regularly at the
first signs of an infection. It resembles in leaf form and flower Poison Hemlock
(Conium maculatum), so the first rule of using or growing Osha is to be sure it is
Osha, which we have done, both botanically and olfactorily. Osha root stinks,
Hemlock does not. The second rule is that it is very difficult (some will say
impossible) to germinate. In the alpine meadows where it grows, the stems are
broken over by the wind and the seeded umbels are left to rest upside-down, first on
the snow, then as the snow melts, on the soil surface. The seeds are cupped, and fill
with water. They remain moist and in the sunlight and eventually they germinate,
which is why Osha seedlings are frequently found in colonies very near the parent
plant. If you have too much trouble with cultivating Osha, try Lovage instead. It has
similar properties and the germination is simple. Cultivation: Extra care. Cold soil
germinator. Sow the seeds in the fall, winter or very early spring, barely covered with
soil. Keep moist until germination. Drought tolerant once established. Surprisingly
good transplanter. Space 1 foot apart.

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