Osmorhiza berteroi
StarOsmorhiza berteroi
Synonyms: Osmorhiza divaricata, Uraspermum nudum, Washingtonia brevipes, Scandix divaricata, Myrrhis berteroi, Myrrhis nuda, Washingtonia nuda, Osmorhiza nuda var. brevipes, Osmorhiza nuda var. divaricata, Scandix nuda, Osmorhiza berteroi var. gracilior, Chaerophyllum chilense, Washingtonia intermedia, Scandix chilensis, Scandix clavata, Schudia chilensis, Washingtonia divaricata, Osmorhiza intermedia, Osmorhiza divaricata var. nuda, Uraspermum divaricatum, Osmorhiza brevipes, Osmorhiza chilensis, Uraspermum berteroi, Uraspermum brevipes, Uraspermum barbatum, Osmorhiza nuda, Osmorhiza brevistylis
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
The aromatic root of Osmorhiza berteroi (sweetcicely) is reported in numerous Native American traditions. The Blackfoot used it as a cold remedy (McClintock, 1909). The Cheyenne employed the root as a general stimulant and cold remedy (Hart, 1981). The Karok applied a chewed root preparation as an analgesic and used it as a preventive and psychological medicine (Schenck & Gifford, 1952). The Karok, Miwok, Okanagon and Thompson also ate the young plant or root as a vegetable food (Barrett & Gifford, 1933; Steedman, 1928; Perry, 1952).
Botanical Description
Osmorhiza berteroi DC. (Apiaceae), known as mountain sweetcicely or Chilean sweetroot, is an aromatic perennial herb 30-100 cm tall from a stout taproot, native to western North America from Alaska to California and disjunctly to temperate South America. It grows in moist coniferous and mixed forests, shaded streambanks and montane meadows. The slender, branched stems bear alternate ternately compound leaves, with broadly ovate, irregularly toothed leaflets 2-7 cm long, the foliage emitting a distinct anise-licorice scent when crushed. Inflorescences are sparingly compound umbels with few rays and few inconspicuous greenish-white to pinkish flowers lacking obvious involucral bracts. The fruit is a narrowly clavate, linear-cylindric schizocarp 12-22 mm long, blackish at maturity, tapering toward the base and bearing stiff upwardly directed bristles that catch readily in fur and clothing, facilitating epizoochorous dispersal. The plant is often locally common in undisturbed forest understory.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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