- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Rich deciduous woods of eastern North America
- Traditions
- Cherokee medicine, Haudenosaunee medicine
North America · Herb · № 951
Aralia racemosa
Herb · North America
American spikenard
Aralia racemosa
A tall perennial of the ivy family, related to ginseng, with a thick, aromatic root. Little studied.
Safety notes
Not in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Not in pregnancy.
- Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine: Not in pregnancy.
Preparation
The root as a decoction; mashed as a poultice on a cut.
Use in traditions
According to the notes in Herrick, the Haudenosaunee lay the root on cuts as a poultice and drink the decoction for cough, whooping cough, rheumatism and to grow stronger. One herbalist saw his sister pass a tapeworm after eating it.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
On cuts; for cough, whooping cough and rheumatism and to grow stronger.
Preparation and amount
Mash the root and lay it on a cut; boil a few pieces of root as a drink.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine
Attributed effects
For coughs, asthma, lung diseases, menstrual complaints and a weak back, as a tonic and to cause sweating; the juice as a wash for burns and on swellings and fresh wounds.
Preparation and amount
A tea of root and berries; the root juice externally.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionCompress, poultice and paste