Evidence supporting the use of: Osha
For the health condition: Insect Repellant

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Osha (Ligusticum porteri) has a long history of use among Native American and Hispanic communities in the southwestern United States, where its roots have been utilized for various medicinal purposes, including as a natural insect repellant. Traditional accounts suggest that burning osha root or applying its preparations to the skin or around living areas can help deter insects, particularly mosquitoes and flies. However, the evidence supporting this use is primarily anecdotal, derived from ethnobotanical records, oral histories, and folk practices rather than from controlled scientific studies.

To date, there is a lack of rigorous clinical or laboratory research validating osha's effectiveness as an insect repellant. No major peer-reviewed studies have isolated specific compounds in osha root that demonstrate insect-repelling properties comparable to established repellents like DEET or citronella. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-documented, the evidence rating is low due to the absence of scientific validation. People interested in natural insect repellents should be aware that osha's efficacy remains unproven by modern standards, and its use for this purpose should be considered experimental.

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Products containing Osha

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.