Aralia, a genus of plants that includes species such as Aralia racemosa (American spikenard) and Aralia cordata (Japanese spikenard), has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, particularly among Native American and East Asian cultures. Traditionally, various parts of the Aralia plant—such as roots and berries—have been made into teas, decoctions, or tinctures to help prevent or alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections, including colds. The rationale behind its use is often linked to its perceived tonic or adaptogenic properties, and in some cases its mild expectorant effects, which were believed to aid respiratory health.

However, modern scientific studies directly supporting Aralia’s efficacy in the prevention or treatment of the common cold are extremely limited or nonexistent. There is a lack of randomized controlled trials or pharmacological studies demonstrating a clear mechanism or benefit for this indication. Most available information about its use for colds is derived from ethnobotanical records and historical texts rather than clinical research. As such, any claims regarding its effectiveness for cold prevention should be considered anecdotal and grounded primarily in tradition rather than scientific validation.