Bear Root (Navajo)
Ligusticum filicinum
About Bear Root (Navajo)
Bear Root (Navajo) (Ligusticum filicinum) is a herb used in the Indigenous / Native American tradition to help with Respiratory Issues, Immune Support, Fever, and Common Cold. The root is the part traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Decoction
- Add 1–2 tsp of dried Bear Root (Navajo) to 2 cups of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
Tincture
- Pack dried Bear Root (Navajo) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Bear Root (Navajo) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Steam Inhalation
- Add 2–3 tbsp of Bear Root (Navajo) to a bowl of just-boiled water.
- Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
Warnings
⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Where to find in nature
Native region
North America
Climate
Varied — temperate to subarctic
Habitat
Prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and mountain meadows of North America
🌿 To see Bear Root (Navajo) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Bear Root (Navajo), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.