Spikenard Root Profile

Also known as

Aralia racemosa, American Spikenard, Fleabane, Manroot, Wild Sarsaparilla, Indian Root, Life-of-Man, Old Man's Root, Petty Morel, Pigeon Weed, and Spignet.

Introduction

Spikenard root belongs to the same family as the ginseng root and is prized for many of the same reasons. Native to the Eastern United States, the root has long been used medicinally by Native American tribes. It has a complex spicy, earthy aroma which is said to repel fleas, thus giving it the name fleabane, among others, but it has also been used as a poultice to treat broken bones and deep bruising. It has also been used to treat rheumatism, syphilis, coughs and cold symptoms, and shortness of breath. In the Appalachians, spikenard root tea is a traditional treatment for backache. It has a mild, pleasant licorice like flavor, and has been often used as a substitute for sarsaparilla.

Constituents

Root

Parts Used

Decoction of the root as a tea and seldom found in extracts and capsules

Typical Preparations

This member of the ginseng family has often been used as a substitute for sarsaparilla, and is used in many of the same ways. It is known to be an alterative, have antimicrobial action and may act as an expectorant in upper respiratory coughs caused by asthmatic conditions.

Summary

Not recommended while pregnant

Precautions