Osha

Ligusticum porteri, also known as osha or Porter lovage, is a perennial herb found in parts of the Rocky Mountains and northern New Mexico. It is strictly a mountain plant, most common in the upper limits of the subalpine zone, in deep, moist soils rich in organic material. It depends on mycorrhizal fungi, and attempts to cultivate it outside its habitat have not been successful. It is noted for smelling like celery, and the large roots have a dark brown, hairy surface with a characteristic odour similar to butterscotch and celery. The Zuni use an infusion of the root for body aches, and the root is chewed during curing ceremonies. According to the ethnobotanist Shawn Sigstedt, who lived and studied with the Diné, a story is told of how the bear gave osha to them as a medicine. It is primarily wild collected for the herbal supplement market, which is reducing populations throughout its range.