Aralia racemosa
| Spikenard Aralia racemosa |
Spikenard - Aralia racemosa (in the Araliaceae or Ginseng family)
Part used: Root.
Taste/smell: Slightly pungent.
Dosage: Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water, crushed and infused for 25 minutes; or 1:1 fresh strength liquid extract: 10-40 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Spikenard is indicated for asthmatic conditions with cough aggravated from lying down or coming on in the middle of the night, hay fever with frequent sneezing and nasal discharges that are excoriating with a salty acrid taste. The individual is very sensitive to drafts and may experience drenching sweat during sleep.
Use: (a) Expectorant, (b) Lung tonic, (c) Anti-inflammatory, (d) Antimicrobial, (e) Adaptogen.
It is used similarly to the other members of this family, including ginseng, devil's club, eleutherococcus, etc. Spikenard helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, from either internal or external causes.
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.