This plant is considered the ginseng for the poor.
The Aralia plant is used to treat many ailments such as hives, itching, rheumatism, blocked milk ducts, coughs, and to enhance libido… However, overuse can easily cause side effects that affect health.
Often referred to as the "ginseng" for the poor, the Aralia plant offers many beneficial uses. Almost all parts of the plant are utilized for medicinal purposes, from the stem, branches, and leaves to the tubers and roots. The tubers of the Aralia plant contain many saponins and have similar effects to ginseng.
According to numerous scientific studies, the plant Panax notoginseng contains up to eight types of oleanane saponins. The roots also contain many saponins similar to ginseng. In addition, it is rich in vitamins and contains up to 20 essential amino acids for the body, especially essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, and cysteine.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb Aralia has a sweet, slightly bitter taste and a cooling nature. Different parts of the plant have different uses. The stem and roots of Aralia can improve blood circulation and promote the flow of vital energy. The leaves can detoxify, fight allergies, and treat hemoptysis and dysentery.
The roots of the Aralia plant contain many saponins and have similar effects to ginseng. Photo: Hoang Lam
The Aralia plant is commonly used to treat conditions such as general weakness, poor digestion, headaches, coughing up blood, rheumatism, joint pain, blocked milk ducts, general debility, and persistent dry cough.
What should be noted when using it?
The leaves of the Aralia plant contain many saponins, so excessive use can easily lead to side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision, discomfort, and fatigue. Therefore, depending on the specific case, the dosage should be considered appropriately, and prolonged use should be avoided.
Children should not drink water infused with Centella asiatica leaves; it should only be used topically because their organ systems are not yet fully developed. Excessive consumption of Centella asiatica leaf water could negatively affect their overall health and cardiovascular system.
Although it is a natural medicinal herb with low toxicity, using it in large doses still carries the risk of poisoning, especially in the lungs, liver, stomach, heart, and intestines.
According to Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), on average, people can use 1 to 6 grams of the root and 30 to 50 grams of the stem per day, while the leaves can be used in amounts of 50 to 100 grams. Patients can brew it into a tea, soak it in alcohol, or prepare it as a dish.
It's also important to note that saponins should only be used in a specific dosage, as excessive saponin intake can affect heart function.
Some medicinal remedies from the Gynura procumbens plant.
Here are some remedies using the Aralia plant, according to doctors at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital:
A remedy to help treat blocked milk ducts in women after childbirth.
- Preparation: 3 slices of fresh ginger and 40g of *Tinospora cordifolia* root.
- Instructions: Place in a pot, bring to a boil with 500ml of water, then reduce heat and simmer until only 250ml remains. Drink the decoction while still hot.
A remedy for hives and itching caused by food allergies or weather changes.
ButPreparation: 80g of dried Centella asiatica leaves.
- Instructions: Boil with 500ml of water until only 250ml remains. Divide into two portions and consume within the day.
A remedy for bone and joint pain caused by rheumatism.
- Preparation: 4g each of cinnamon bark and tangerine peel, 8g each of *Tian Nian Jian*, *Cỏ Xước*, *Hà Thủ Ô*, *Huyết Rồng*, and *Cối Xay*, and 12g of *Đình Lăng* root.
- Instructions: Keep the cinnamon sticks separate. Boil the other ingredients in water, then add the cinnamon sticks after the water has boiled. Divide into two portions and drink while the medicine is still warm.
Traditional remedies for hepatitis
- Ingredients: 8g turmeric, 12g broad beans, 12g Dillenia root, and 12g Imperata root.
- Instructions: Brew one dose daily and drink regularly until cured.
A remedy to help treat erectile dysfunction and impotence in men.
- Preparation: 6g of cardamom, 8g each of deer antler extract and buffalo horn, 12g each of glutinous rice bran and Dillenia root.
- Instructions: Prepare a decoction and drink one dose per day.
Note that for best treatment results, people should combine it with healthy sexual habits, exercise, and a balanced diet.
A remedy for chronic insomnia, lack of concentration, and memory loss.
- Ingredients: 16g lotus seeds, 12g lotus heart, 24g Centella asiatica leaves, 20g Vitex negundo leaves, and 20g mulberry leaves.
- Instructions: Boil with 400ml of water, take about 150ml and divide into two doses to drink during the day.
