Oshá is considered one of the most popular herbal
medicine used in New Mexico. It is used in treating colds and lung
infections. Many people chew the root to cure sore throats.
It can also be used as a skin cleanser. Some people even carry the
oshá root as a charm to ward off witches. Pueblo Indians used
to put it in their acécquias to stop cutworms and other bugs from
forming.