California Spikenard (Aralia californica)
Aralia californica
Western Herbalism
Western Herbalism

California Spikenard

Aralia californica

Also known as Elk Clover, California Aralia.

WarmingTaste: SweetTaste: PungentTaste: Aromatic

California Spikenard acts primarily as: Adaptogenic (mild), Stimulating expectorant, Diaphoretic, Alterative, Demulcent, Respiratory tonic, Anti-inflammatory. Secondary actions include Warm and open the lungs, Move and expel phlegm, Promote sweating, Restore respiratory tone, Mild adaptogen.

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Actions

Adaptogenic (mild)Stimulating expectorantDiaphoreticAlterativeDemulcentRespiratory tonicAnti-inflammatoryWarm and open the lungsMove and expel phlegmPromote sweatingRestore respiratory toneMild adaptogen

Indications what the tradition reached for it in

Safety

The record lists 3 contraindications; open the plate in the library to read them in full.

Dosing as the sources wrote it

PreparationAs writtenMetric
Dried root decoctionDried root decoction: 3-9 g/day3000-9000 mg
Tincture (1:5, fresh root preferred)Tincture (1:5, fresh root preferred): 2-4 ml three times daily2-4 mL

Doses are reproduced from the sources for practitioners and are not a recommendation for any person.

From the sources

primary-actions. California Spikenard acts primarily as: Adaptogenic (mild), Stimulating expectorant, Diaphoretic, Alterative, Demulcent, Respiratory tonic, Anti-inflammatory. Secondary actions include Warm and open the lungs, Move and expel phlegm, Promote sweating, Restore respiratory tone, Mild adaptogen.

indications. California Spikenard is traditionally indicated for: Chronic and damp respiratory conditions, Bronchitis with copious mucus, Asthma with cold-damp congestion, Lingering wet cough, Convalescence with weak lungs, General debility and stress (mild ginseng-family adaptogen), Sluggish digestion, Sore throat.

constituents. Notable constituents of California Spikenard include: Triterpenoid saponins (araliosides, ginsenoside-type), Aromatic volatile oil (diterpene acids), Polyacetylenes, Resin, Sterols.

dose-reference. Reference preparation/dosing for California Spikenard: Dried root decoction: 3-9 g/day; Tincture (1:5, fresh root preferred): 2-4 ml three times daily; Honey-based syrup for cough; Used as a warming, moving respiratory remedy

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