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Dietary supplement

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbs, Etc.

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup is a dietary supplement by Herbs, Etc. with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cough and sore throat, respiratory infections and colds, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 717 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc.

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Extract Blend Ingredients” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (10 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Osha extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This throat syrup contains 5 active ingredients in a proprietary blend: osha extract, white pine extract, black cherry extract, spikenard extract, and bloodroot extract. The blend is suspended in evaporated cane juice, purified water, vegetable glycerine, and alcohol.

All of these herbs are traditional throat and respiratory remedies, though the strength and exact amounts of each ingredient aren't broken down on the label.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: respiratory health and throat comfort support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, Cough, sinus health, congestion — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: American Spikenard is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: American Spikenard is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Common cold.
  • Also on file: Wild Cherry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Bronchitis, Common cold, Cough.

The evidence for what this syrup actually does is weak across the board. Black cherry has insufficient evidence to rate for cough, bronchitis, or common cold.

Spikenard similarly has insufficient evidence for common cold or asthma. Bloodroot is possibly effective for dental plaque and gingivitis, but that's a topical use, not something you'd get from a throat syrup.

Bottom line: we don't have solid proof this product works for throat or cold symptoms.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Osha

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Several ingredients in this product carry real caution flags. Black cherry contains cyanide-forming compounds—small amounts in commercial cough products are generally considered safe, but large amounts can cause serious poisoning with symptoms like headache, confusion, and potentially coma.

Bloodroot is potentially toxic and corrosive; it's not recommended for self-treatment, and oral use can cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and central nervous system depression at higher doses. Spikenard has limited modern safety data, so use it cautiously and only short-term.

Because this is a liquid blend, it's harder to control exact doses, which adds risk with ingredients this potent.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Osha

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — American Spikenard, Wild Cherry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 718 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this syrup if you take diuretic medications (water pills), cholesterol drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 like lovastatin, or antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole. The black cherry extract may theoretically raise blood levels of the latter two drug types, and spikenard may intensify the effects of diuretics.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This syrup isn't a go-to choice. The evidence for its throat-soothing effects isn't established, and it contains bloodroot and black cherry—ingredients with real toxicity concerns, especially if you take more than directed or use it long-term.

If you're considering it, talk with your own doctor or pharmacist first, particularly if you take diuretics or drugs processed by your liver. They can help you weigh whether the benefits make sense for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbs, Etc.
Barcode (UPC) 765704125045
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 118 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2018
DSLD ID 182969
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Children more than 1 but less than 4
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc., sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.5 tsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 tsp
Servings per container
12
UPC/BARCODE
765704125045
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories20 Calorie(s)--
Proprietary Extract Blend Ingredients10 mL--
Osha extract0 NP--
White Pine extract0 NP--
Black Cherry extract0 NP--
Spikenard extract0 NP--
Balsam Poplar extract0 NP--
Bloodroot extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Evaporated cane juice, purified Water, Vegetable Glycerine, U.S. Pharmacopoeial Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Sinuses Throat Lungs Superb respiratory support In the great Southwest, the Native American and Hispanic cultures consider Osha root the must-have herb to maintain respiratory health.

Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup provides a protective coating that soothes and comforts tissues. It thins and liquefies thick mucus. This formula gently dilates the bronchioles and promotes sinus, throat, and lung health. Once you experience the benefits of Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup, you'll always make sure it's in your medicine cabinet.

Vibrant health begins with Herbs, Etc. True wellbeing starts when you choose to be responsible for your health. As you take your healthcare into your own hands, you become connected to your body and better able to listen to its needs. Herbs have to the ability to make significant shifts in your health. They are pivotal players in the healing process. The gift of medicinal herbs is their ability to restore and maintain vibrant health. Since 1969, Herbs, Etc. has been harnessing the healing power of nature to create safe and effective natural medicines. Join us on this great journey to health. facebook.com/herbsect Learn about Herbs, Etc.

Herbal medicine Professional strength Protective coating comforts the throat Soothing syrup with a deliciously powerful taste

Formula

Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup, featuring Osha root, has been cherished Herbs, Etc.'s formula for over 40 years.

General

ORRMTS032017

Brand IP Statement(s)

2017 Herbs, Etc., Inc.

Solutions you trust

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Adults and children 12 years and over: 2 teaspoons every three hours. Children 5 to under 12 years of age: 1 teaspoon every three hours. Children 2 to under 5 years of age: 1/2 teaspoon every three hours. Children under 2 years of age: Ask your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Formulation

Gluten free

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc. label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc.

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.5 tsp Dosage formLiquid Servings per container12 Amounts shown are per serving.

Proprietary Extract Blend Ingredients

10 mL per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Evaporated cane juice, Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerine, U.S. Pharmacopoeial Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc. Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
717Drugs
645 Moderate 72 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup, from the product label.

Herbs, Etc.

See all Herbs, Etc. products
Name
Herbs, Etc., Inc.
Street Address
1340 Rufina Circle
City
Sante Fe
State
NM
ZipCode
87507
Web Address
www.herbsetc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc.: Common Questions

Does Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup by Herbs, Etc. interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup has a known interaction with 717 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—the safety data advises against it. Black cherry is likely unsafe in pregnancy, spikenard is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding, and bloodroot is likely unsafe in pregnancy and possibly unsafe while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer options during pregnancy and lactation.
What does bloodroot do in a throat syrup?
Bloodroot is an old folk remedy, but it's potentially toxic and we don't recommend it for self-treatment. The facts we hold show it may help with dental plaque and gingivitis when used topically, not for throat health when swallowed.
Is this syrup safe to use long-term?
No. Spikenard should only be used short-term because safety data is limited. Bloodroot carries toxicity risks, and black cherry contains cyanide-forming compounds—large doses can be dangerous. This isn't a take-for-weeks product.
Will this actually help my cough or sore throat?
We don't have solid evidence it works for either. The ingredients like black cherry, spikenard, and osha all have insufficient evidence to support use for cough, bronchitis, or common cold symptoms.
What are the side effects of bloodroot in this syrup?
Taken by mouth in appropriate doses short-term, bloodroot can cause nausea, vomiting, and central nervous system depression. Higher doses risk low blood pressure, shock, and coma. Long-term use raises the risk of mouth tissue changes and impaired taste.
Is there alcohol in this syrup?
Yes—the ingredients list shows U.S. Pharmacopoeial Alcohol is part of the base. If you need to avoid alcohol, this product isn't for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Osha Root Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Osha 2 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

See these in context on the Osha monograph →

Wild Cherry 4 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  4. Pentore, R., Venneri, A., and Nichelli, P. Accidental choke-cherry poisoning: early symptoms and neurological sequelae of an unusual case of cyanide intoxication. Ital.J Neurol.Sci. 1996;17(3):233-235. PubMed

See these in context on the Wild Cherry monograph →

American Spikenard 1 reference
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

See these in context on the American Spikenard monograph →

Bloodroot 14 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  5. Eversole, L. R., Eversole, G. M., and Kopcik, J. Sanguinaria-associated oral leukoplakia: comparison with other benign and dysplastic leukoplakic lesions. Oral Surg.Oral Med.Oral Pathol.Oral Radiol.Endod. 2000;89(4):455-464. PubMed
  6. Allen, C. L., Loudon, J., and Mascarenhas, A. K. Sanguinaria-related leukoplakia: epidemiologic and clinicopathologic features of a recently described entity. Gen.Dent. 2001;49(6):608-614.
  7. Kuftinec, M. M., Mueller-Joseph, L. J., and Kopczyk, R. A. Sanguinaria toothpaste and oral rinse regimen clinical efficacy in short- and long-term trials. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):31-33.
  8. Frankos, V. H., Brusick, D. J., Johnson, E. M., Maibach, H. I., Munro, I., Squire, R. A., and Weil, C. S. Safety of Sanguinaria extract as used in commercial toothpaste and oral rinse products. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):41-47.
  9. Cullinan, M. P., Powell, R. N., Faddy, M. J., and Seymour, G. J. Efficacy of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract in conjunction with initial periodontal therapy. Aust.Dent.J. 1997;42(1):47-51. PubMed
  10. Affleck, A. G. and Varma, S. A case of do-it-yourself Mohs' surgery using bloodroot obtained from the internet. Br.J Dermatol 2007;157(5):1078-1079. PubMed
  11. Cienki JJ, Zaret L. An Internet misadventure: bloodroot salve toxicity. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(10):1125-7. PubMed
  12. Hou JL, Brewer JD. Black salve and bloodroot extract in dermatologic conditions. Cutis. 2015;95(6):309-11.
  13. Schilling LM, Saedi N. Bloodroot paste: what dermatologists and patients need to know. Dermatol Surg 2016;42(10):1223-4. PubMed
  14. Schlichte MJ, Downing CP, Ramirez-Fort M, Gordon R, Tyring S. Bloodroot associated eschar. Dermatol Online J 2014;20(7). DOI

See these in context on the Bloodroot monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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