ARALIA RACEMOSA

SOURCE INFORMATION

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division (or Phylum): Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Apiales
• Family: Araliaceae
• Genus: Aralia
• Species: Aralia racemosa

Geographical Origin: American Spikenard is native to North America, particularly found in the eastern regions of the United States and parts of Canada.

It thrives in wooded areas and rich, moist soils.

Traditional Native American Use: American Spikenard has historical significance among Native American communities. 

Indigenous people in North America traditionally used various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. 

The roots were valued for their potential healing properties.

Medicinal Uses in Early American Herbalism: In early American herbalism, American Spikenard gained recognition for its potential medicinal benefits. 

The plant was utilized as a traditional remedy for respiratory conditions, rheumatism, and as a general tonic. 

It was often included in herbal formulations to address various health concerns.

Cultural Symbolism: The plant has symbolic importance in certain Native American cultures, representing healing and purification. 

Its aromatic roots were sometimes used in ceremonial practices.

Botanical Interest: Beyond its historical uses, American Spikenard is also of botanical interest due to its distinctive appearance. 

The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers and bright red berries, contributing to its ornamental value.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

• Provokes dry cough, especially in the middle of the night.
• Asthma worsens when lying down, accompanied by spasmodic cough and throat tickling.
• Constriction of the chest, as if a foreign body is present.
• Hay-fever with frequent sneezing.
• Sneezing triggered by the slightest current of air, with watery, excoriating nasal discharge.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Asthmatic conditions with aggravated cough while lying down.
• Drenching sweats during sleep.
• Extreme sensitivity to draughts.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and rectal prolapse.

PARTICULAR SYMPTOMS

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS

• Dry cough emerging after the first sleep, typically around the middle of the night.
• Asthma worsens when lying down at night, accompanied by a spasmodic cough that intensifies after the first sleep, often with a tickling sensation in the throat.
• Constriction of the chest, giving the feeling as if a foreign body were present.
• Chest obstruction worsens in spring.
• Hay-fever characterized by frequent sneezing.
• Rawness and burning sensation behind the sternum.

NASAL SYMPTOMS

• Even the slightest current of air induces sneezing.
• Copious, watery nasal discharge with an excoriating and salty acrid taste.

FEMALE SYMPTOMS

• Menstrual suppression.
• Foul-smelling, acrid leucorrhoea with a sensation of pressing-down pain.
• Suppressed lochia (postpartum discharge), accompanied by tympanites (abdominal distension due to gas).

REMEDY RELATIONSHIP

• Comparisons: Pecten-Scallop (for humid asthma, labored breathing, and constriction of the chest).
• Related Remedies: Ars. iod., Naphthaline, Cepa, Rosa, Sabad., Sinapis.

DOSE

• Tincture, up to the third potency.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the key characteristics of Aralia Racemosa?

• Asthmatic conditions, aggravated cough when lying down, drenching sweats during sleep, and heightened sensitivity to draughts.

What respiratory symptoms does it address?

• Dry cough after the first sleep, asthma worsened when lying down, chest constriction, and hay-fever with sneezing.

How does it affect the gastrointestinal system?

• Symptoms include diarrhea and rectal prolapse.

When is Aralia Racemosa’s cough typically worse?

• The cough aggravates around 11 p.m.