Aralia mandshurica (Aralia mandshurica)

Aralia mandshurica, often referred to as Aralia manchuriana, Manchurian thorn tree or Manchurian thorn, is a medicinal plant native to East Asia. This tall woody plant, found mainly in the Russian Far East and northeastern China, is known for its medicinal properties and wide range of uses. Its leaves are large, lobed and serrated at the edges, while the flowers form abundant panicles which later develop into small purple fruits. Aralia mandarin belongs to the myrrh family, is frost-resistant and good as a solitaire because of its attractive appearance.

Despite its name Manchurian thorn, the plant is not distinctively thorny, the thorns are small and rather soft. The plant can be found in forests, along roadsides, but also in herb gardens and pharmaceutical plantations. In Korean and traditional Chinese medicine, all parts of the Manchurian Aralia, including the roots, are used to make medicines. The active substances contained in Manchurian Aralia have a wide range of effects, for example, treating colds, coughs, rheumatism, but are also used to support immunity, in the treatment of bacterial or viral infections and also have a beneficial effect on digestion. The attractive appearance of the plant has also led to its use as an ornamental plant. The plant is also found in some products of the cosmetic industry, such as creams, oils or lotions, where its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are mainly exploited.