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Aralia spinosa. Also know as Prickly elder, Angelica tree, Hercules' club, Toothache bush or tree.
The Aralia spinosa is a small tree, growing to about 30 feet. Best suited for zones 4-9. The leaves are very large and long, often 3 to 6 feet in length, prickly, bipinnate, and borne on long, prickly petioles. The flowers are white, and disposed in numerous umbels, forming a very large panicle. The involucres are small and few-leaved. The fruit consists of blackish, juicy berries.
The aralia spinosa inhabits the United States in various parts, from Pennsylvania to Louisiana, and westward to Missouri, growing in damp and rich woods and fields. The thin, ash-colored bark is the part used, although other parts of the plant possess medicinal properties; it has a peculiar, somewhat fragrant odor, and a slightly bitter, biting taste; alcohol or water extracts its properties. It is frequently grown in the Northern States for ornamentation. It blooms in August and September.
Medicinal Uses ( as listed in A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve )
Fresh bark causes/vomiting and purging, but dried is a stimulating alterative. A tincture made from the bark is used for rheumatism, skin diseases and syphilis. The berries in tincture form, lull pain in decayed teeth and in other parts of the body, violent colic and rheumatism, useful in cholera when a cathartic is required in the following compound: 1 drachm compound powdered Jalap, 1 drachm Aralia spinosa, 2 drachms compound rhubarb powder or infused in 1/2, pint boiling water and when cold taken in tablespoonful doses every half-hour. This does not produce choleric discharges. Also a powerful sialogogue and valuable in diseases where mouth and throat get dry, and for sore throat; will relieve difficult breathing and produce moisture if given in very small doses of the powder. The bark, root, and berries can all be utilized.
Some of these may be classed as noxious weeds in your locale. Where I grew up on the west coast, Morning Glory is a noxious weed. Here on the East Coast it is a beloved garden flower. Just because it doesn't say poisonous after it doesn't mean you should grow it around children or animals. By purchasing you attest you know the restrictions on noxious weeds where you live. If you order them, and they get removed by customs, we are not responsible. Know your regulations & restrictions before you order.
Sold for ornamental & botanical purposes only.
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