Aralia Manchurian, or Aralia High.

A tree or shrub of the Araliaceae family, 1.5–7 m high. The roots are located radially at a depth of up to 25 cm. The leaf petioles and trunk are lined with numerous thorns.

The upper leaves are large, double- and triple-pinnate, their leaflets have serrated edges. Creamy white flowers, collected in inflorescences, are located at the top of the trunk. Blooms in July - August.

The fruit is berry-shaped with five seeds. Ripens in September - October.

Manchurian Aralia is common in the Far East, Primorsky Territory, Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.

It grows singly or in small groups on the edges and clearings up to an altitude of 700 m above sea level. Propagated by seeds and root suckers. It is a good honey plant.

Young leaves can be eaten boiled or fried. They are used as feed for cattle and sika deer. The roots are suitable for making tonic drinks.

The tree is used to decorate hedges.

The medicinal raw materials are roots, bark and leaves. In folk medicine, the buds, fruits and root bark are used.

The roots are dug up in the fall, after the seeds ripen, or in the spring, before the leaves bloom, in 5-15-year-old trees. Dry under a canopy or in a dryer at a temperature of 60°C. Store for 2 years.

The bark is collected at the same time as the roots, leaves during and after the plant blooms in dry, sunny weather. The bark and leaves are dried in a dryer at a temperature of 5°. 55°C.

The roots contain starch, gum, vitamins C and Bi, essential oil, triterpenoids, cardenolides, alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids and sitosterol. The branches and leaves contain carbohydrates, essential oil, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, organic acids and anthocyanins. The seeds contain unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, octadecenoic).

Aralia preparations have a tonic, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hypotensive and hypoglycemic effect, increase resistance to extreme situations, and normalize mental and physical performance. The tonic effect of aralia is especially clearly manifested against the background of reduced function of the central nervous system, as well as during the period of recovery after serious illnesses. The positive effect of this plant should be associated with the activation of enzyme systems and increased energy supply to the body.

Its drugs are contraindicated in cases of increased nervous excitability, insomnia and hypertension. They should not be used in the evening hours.

Aralia root tincture is prescribed for various types of depression, after a traumatic brain injury, the flu, low blood pressure, impotence, mental and physical fatigue.

To prepare the tincture, 20 g of crushed roots are poured with 100 ml of 70% alcohol and infused in a warm, dark place for 15 days, shaking occasionally. When ready, it should be amber in color with a peculiar smell and pleasant taste. Prescribe it 30-40 drops 2-3 times a day with meals.

If you are prone to high blood pressure, reduce the dose to 10 drops 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks. After 1-2 weeks, treatment is repeated under medical supervision.

A decoction of the root is used for gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, colds, enuresis, inflammation of the oral cavity, as a general tonic, and for kidney diseases to increase the flow of urine and liver.

To prepare a decoction, 20 g of crushed raw materials (bark, roots, leaves) are poured into 1 glass of hot water, boiled in a closed enamel container in a water bath for 30 minutes, cooled at room temperature for 10 minutes, filtered, squeezed and brought to the original volume with boiled water. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.