Parrot's Beak, Pedicularis racemosa

Harvesting: Osha is very hard to cultivate in the garden so please treat this plant with extra care and respect. Harvest the roots late summer to autumn from osha plants that are at least one year old and only take what you need. Dig up the older plants and let the younger plants grow for harvesting another season. Dig deeply. Dry for use. Seeds can be harvested after they have ripened. Spread some seeds around to propagate more osha. As always, tend the wild! Warning: Safety for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is unknown. It may trigger menstruation so best to avoid during pregnancy. Recipes. Osha Decoction: Add 2 ounces (56g) of chopped osha roots and leaves to a pot containing 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer it for approximately 20 minutes. Cool and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of the decoction as needed. Osha Tincture: 1-pint (500 ml) of 80 proof vodka or other alcohol, chopped roots of the osha plant. Place the chopped dried roots into a glass pint (500ml) jar with a tight-fitting lid, filling the jar 3/4 full. Cover the herbs with alcohol, filling the jar. Store the jar in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard. Shake the jar daily for 6 to 8 weeks. Strain the herbs out of the liquid, cover it tightly and use within seven years.

Parrot’s beak has a unique flower. The petals are shaped like parrot’s beaks, giving it its name. The plant is also called leafy lousewort. It is in the Orobanchaceae (Broomrape) Family. It grows in coniferous forests in Western North America at mid-elevations in the mountains. All species of the genus Pedicularis have similar medicinal properties. Identification: Parrot’s beak flowers have petals shaped like parrot’s beaks. The flowers grow in clusters on a stalk and have a broad three-lobed lower lip and an upper lip that curves over the lower lobes. Flowers are white to cream-colored, yellow, or pink depending on location, and flower in the summer. The alternate leaves are narrow, stalkless (or with short stalks), and have toothed margins. The plant grows from 10 to 20 inches (25 cm to 50 cm) high. Medicinal Use: The leaves and flower petals are medicinally active. They are relaxing and bring a feeling of peace and contentment. You can use it as a tea, tincture, or a smoking blend. All bring medicinal effects. Smoking it does not produce a “high” feeling, but rather a peaceful feeling of well-being with occasional slight giddiness. My neighbor used to smoke it and nicknamed it “Ridicularis” instead of “Pedicularis”, as it worked so ridiculously well. Emotional Stress and Anxiety: Parrot’s beak is relaxing and helps people cope with emotional stress and anxiety.

Thayne Tuason, Own Work, Wikipedia Commons cc 4.0

Skeletal Muscle Relaxer: For muscle tension and small muscle tremors, parrot’s beak as a tea or tincture works as an excellent muscle relaxer, relieving pain by relaxing the muscles. Massage therapists often give this to patients before a massage to release muscle tension. Relaxation and Mild Sedative: This herb acts as a mild sedative, relieving pain, relaxing the body, and bringing a sense of calm. Tension and Stress Headaches: Parrot’s beak is good for treating tension headaches and headaches caused by stress. Low doses are usually quickly effective at relaxing the body and relieving a headache.