Manchurian Aralia (Aralia elata)

Manchurian Aralia (Aralia elata) is a member of the Araliaceae family, native to Eastern Asia, Russia, and China. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant actions, and has a long history of use in korean traditional medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Manchurian Aralia (Aralia elata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Manchurian Aralia (Aralia elata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Manchurian Aralia
Scientific Name	Aralia elata
Plant Family	Araliaceae
Genus	Aralia
Species	elata
Native Range	Eastern Asia, Russia, China
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Stimulant
Primary Traditional Systems	Korean Traditional Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Aralia elata
Common Name: Manchurian Aralia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Aralia Elata, Chinese Aralia, American Angelica
Plant Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Aralia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of a compound umbellate corymbose cluster with actinomorphic white flowers having five sepals and five petals, each with a distinct yellow claw at the base.
Stems: Upright growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and presence of thorn-like structures.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Korean Traditional Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a calming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a gentle stimulant, in activation-oriented uses.

Active Compounds

Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.