Bear Root (Endangered Food)

Introduction

Bear root is a perennial herb in the same family as parsley and carrot (Apiaceae). It grows at high altitudes (7,000 to 10,000 feet), around the forests of the Rocky Mountains and New Mexico.¹ The origin of the name “bear root” is from Native Americans observing bears dig up the roots and eat them when they first emerge from hibernation or rub them on their fur. In turn, bear root depends on bears and other wildlife to spread its seeds. Its latin name is Liguscticum porteri, and other common names include osha, loveroot, wild celery, and Porter lovage.² It is slow growing, requires partial shade, and is usually found in soils that are deep and moist. Authentic bear root can be identified by its hairy root crown, and umbel flower clusters that bloom from June to August. The root is brown to reddish-brown on the outside and cream-colored on the inside, becoming darker as it ages. When dried, it has a spicy, aromatic, resinous smell.³

As a food, Bear root has flavours described as a mix between celery, parsley, licorice. Its leaves, roots, and seeds can be used as seasoning for meats and stews. Its leaves and roots can also be boiled or eaten raw in salads.⁴ It has been used traditionally by Native Americans and Hispanic peoples dating back thousands of years for a variety of ailments, including colds, influenza, bronchitis, sore throat, fever, wounds, headaches, indigestion, vomiting, and altitude sickness.⁴ Depending on the condition being treated, it can be used in forms such as ointments, pastes, dressings, teas and tinctures.

At-Risk Plant Species

Bear root is considered an “at risk” plant rather than an endangered plant according to the United Plant Savers (UPs) organization.⁵ However, the exact amount of this herb is hard to quantify due to the lack of state or federal conservation agencies tracking Bear root populations. The primary threat to its population is overharvesting.^4,5 Other factors contributing to its vulnerability include its specific growth requirements, such as high-altitude habitats and moist soils, its limited geographic distribution in mountainous regions, and its slow growth rate.^{4, 5}

Potential Health Benefits

Despite being used as a traditional remedy for a variety of ailments, there are no human clinical trials to date evaluating the safety or effectiveness of bear root. The majority of scientific research on its health benefits comes from in vitro and animal studies.

One of the most extensively studied properties of bear root is its antioxidant activity. Of note, Nguyen et al. investigated the effects of bear root extract on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes.⁶ They found that treating the cells with 200 and 400 µg/mL of bear root extract increased cell viability by 2 and 2.5 fold, respectively, versus control. In addition, 400 µg/mL significantly improved hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage of the cells. It reduced lipid peroxidation, increased intracellular glutathione concentrations, enhanced activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and increased production of the immune-related cytokines interferon-gamma and interleukon-2 without causing cytotoxicity. These findings indicated that bear root may protect cells against oxidative damage and support immune function.⁶

A subsequent in vitro study by the same researchers investigated bear root extract in human cancer cells called promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells.⁷ They found that bear root extract did not demonstrate anticancer activity of these cells, but again it demonstrated antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects by protecting cells against oxidative damage and reducing inflammatory responses.⁷

Pain relief and gastroprotection are two other potential health benefits of bear root which have been studied in animal models. Juarez-Reyes et al. investigated the nociceptive effects of aqueous extracts, organic extracts, essential oils, and 3 isolates phthalides from bear root using two mouse pain models, the acetic-acid induced writhing test and the hot-plate test.⁸ They found that all preparations resulted in significant pain reduction. Another study investigated the gastroprotective effects of organic bear root extract and one of its components, diligustilide, in rat models of ethanol-induced gastric ulceration.⁹ The extracts significantly reduced gastric lesions at a dose of 30 mg/kg, and diligustilide showed gastroprotective activity at a dose of 10 mg/kg.⁹

Overall, the literature suggests that bear root has health benefits as an anti-oxidant, immunomodulator, analgesic, and gastroprotectant.^{6, 7, 8 , 9} However, evidence is derived from in vitro and animal studies rather than human clinical trials, and further research is needed to establish its efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term safety.

Preparation Methods

Following the discussion of its potential health benefits, it is important to examine the different formulations in which bear root (Ligusticum porteri) is available. The method of preparation can influence the extraction of its active compounds and, consequently, its therapeutic effectiveness.³

A decoction is the most traditional preparation method for bear root. It requires prolonged, gentle simmering to extract compounds from the dense, woody root tissue using water. The resulting tea is intensely aromatic, warming, and bitter. However, its potency only lasts up to 48 hours.³

Bear root can also be formulated as an alcohol tincture, which offers more concentrated dosing and superior extraction. The use of alcohol instead of water helps preserve the volatile compounds and extends the shelf life to approximately 3–5 years when stored properly in a cool, dark place with a tight seal.³

Another common formulation is a syrup, produced by combining a bear root decoction with honey or sugar. This preparation creates a more palatable, shelf-stable product that is traditionally used for throat and cough relief. The sweet base also helps mask the bitter taste of the root.³

Lastly, steam inhalation is one of the simplest methods of administration. In this preparation, bear root is added to boiling water, and the steam is inhaled using a towel placed over the head. This method delivers volatile oils directly to the nasal passages, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract, making it specifically useful for targeting upper respiratory congestion.³

Potential Side Effects & Contraindications

Although this root extract has many potential health benefits and comes in different dosage forms that may suit different individuals, there are also potential side effects and safety considerations that need to be taken into account. The term potential is used intentionally, as there is a lack of human clinical research evaluating the safety of bear root.³ Most published studies have been conducted using animal models, meaning that their findings cannot always be directly applied to humans.¹⁰

The limited evidence available suggests that the most commonly reported adverse effects include nausea, headache, and digestive upset. Photosensitivity has also been reported but appears to be rare. Bear root is contraindicated during pregnancy because it may stimulate contractions. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family, including celery, carrots, parsley, fennel, and anise, should avoid its use because of the potential for allergic reactions.³

In addition, bear root is generally not recommended for children under six years of age. Traditional herbalists also advise against prolonged use, recommending that bear root be used only for short-term or seasonal treatment.³

Exam Question

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of bear root's preferred growing conditions that contributes to its “at risk” status?

a. High altitude habitats

b. Moist soils

c. Growing in mountain regions

d. Slow growth rate

e. The need for full sunlight exposure

Correct answer: E

Explanation: High altitude habitats, moist soils, mountain regions are all conditions that bear root prefer to grow in. Bear root itself is also a slow growing plant. These specific requirements make it more difficult for bear root to grow, therefore, making this plant an “at risk” species. E is the correct answer because bear root prefers partial shade to grow, not full sunlight.

References

McGrane K. OSHA root: Benefits, uses, and side effects [Internet]. Healthline Media; 2020 [cited 2026 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/osha-root
Ligusticum porteri [Internet]. Wikimedia Foundation; 2026 [cited 2026 Aug 9]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligusticum_porteri
Nguyen M. Bear Root (OSHA root) benefits: Complete science guide [Internet]. [cited 2026 Aug 9]. Available from: https://sacredplantco.com/blogs/natures-pharmacy-exploring-the-historical-uses-and-health-benefits-of-medicinal-herbs/bear-root-osha-root-powerful-herbal-benefits-and-uses?srsltid=AfmBOopsgjL4dA7B1WB7y0uww_L_xxbihReqqgeuxGU9CQkUAPMYsfys
Kindscher K, Martin LM, Long Q. The sustainable harvest of wild populations of Oshá (ligusticum porteri) in southern Colorado for the Herbal Products Trade. Economic Botany. 2019 May 14;73(3):341–56. doi:10.1007/s12231-019-09456-1
Herbs MR. OSHA: A supportive, but at-risk plant ally [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2026 Aug 9]. Available from: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/osha-a-plant-ally-needing-our-protection
Nguyen K, Sparks J, Omoruyi FO. Investigation of the cytotoxicity, antioxidative and immune-modulatory effects of Ligusticum porteri (OSHA) root extract on human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2016 Nov;14(6):465–72. doi:10.1016/s2095-4964(16)60280-7
Nguyen, K., Sparks, J., & Omoruyi, F. (2017). Effects of Ligusticum porteri (Osha) Root Extract on Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Pharmacognosy research, 9(2), 156–160. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.204641
Juárez-Reyes K, Ángeles-López GE, Rivero-Cruz I, Bye R, Mata R. Antinociceptive activity of ligusticum porteri preparations and compounds. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2013 Oct 4;52(1):14–20. doi:10.3109/13880209.2013.805235
Velázquez-Moyado JA, Martínez-González A, Linares E, Bye R, Mata R, Navarrete A. Gastroprotective effect of diligustilide isolated from roots of Ligusticum porteri Coulter & Rose (Apiaceae) on ethanol-induced lesions in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Nov;174:403–9. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.030
Donkor PO, Chen Y, Ding L, Qiu F. Locally and traditionally used Ligusticum species – a review of their phytochemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016 Dec;194:530–48. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.012