Western Aralia: “Ginseng for the Lungs” 

A few weeks ago, I set out on a wildcrafting mission with a clear intention: to harvest Western Aralia root, also known as California Spikenard. It had been years since I last gathered this powerful plant, revered for its tonic action on the lungs and respiratory system.

Western Aralia belongs to the ginseng family, making it a close relative of Devil’s Club—another potent plant that thrives here in the Pacific Northwest. I feel fortunate to live in a place where these two remarkable allies grow side by side: Devil’s Club stretching north into Alaska, and Western Aralia reaching south into California.

Discovering the Stand

Because it was so early in the season, the plants weren’t yet leafing out. The only clues were the remnants of old stalks or the first tender shoots breaking through the soil. Not long into my walk, I spotted a dried stalk and gently dug to confirm the medicine. The unmistakable ginseng-like aroma rose up from the root—pungent, familiar, and grounding.

Tucking that small piece into my harvest sack, I carried on, trusting I would find a stronger stand. Soon I reached a creek winding through an old-growth grove, where Oregon grape root and mushrooms blanketed the moist forest floor. Following my intuition upriver, I came upon what I was hoping for: a thriving stand of Aralia, roots exposed along the riverbank. Harvesting here would be easier on both the plants and the land.

Harvesting with Respect

Before harvesting, I paused to sit with the plants, offering prayers of gratitude. It’s important to slow down in these moments—these medicines are powerful, and respect deepens the connection to plant, land, and water. When we harvest in presence, the medicine carries not only its own properties but also the energy of our relationship with it.

Medicine of the Lungs & Beyond

Western Aralia is a deeply warming lung remedy. It helps restore secretions in dry coughs, while also thinning and moving stagnant mucus in wet coughs. It reduces inflammation, supports tissue repair, and is a tonic for anyone with a history of lung weakness—from long-time smokers to those affected by the heavy wildfire smoke that has become all too common in recent years.

Because it belongs to the ginseng family, Aralia is also considered an adaptogen, helping regulate the body’s response to stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. In times like these—both personally and collectively—this plant stands as an ally for resilience, steadying both lungs and spirit.

Harvesting with Care

Western Aralia is listed on the United Plant Savers “Species At-Risk” list. This means mindful harvesting is essential: take only what is needed, harvest only where the plant is abundant, and always leave plenty behind. For this reason, I gather Western Aralia only once every few years, ensuring its continued presence in these wild places. What we offer at Ojas Naturals is a very small, carefully harvested amount.

Closing Thoughts

Western Aralia truly earns its name as “Ginseng for the Lungs.” Strong yet gentle, it offers both physical healing and spiritual grounding. Sitting with this plant, harvesting with respect, and preparing medicine with care all remind me of the deep reciprocity at the heart of herbalism.

Find our Western Aralia Honey Extract here: https://ojasnaturals.myshopify.com/products/western-aralia-honey-extract-1oz-bottle

By: James Keskimaki