Udo (Japanese Spikenard Shoot)
vegetable
Aralia cordata is an upright herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 2 to 3 metres in height, native to Japan, Korea, Russian Far East, and eastern China. Its common names include spikenard, herbal aralia, udo, Japanese spikenard, and mountain asparagus. It is commonly found on the slopes of wooded embankments. Aralia cordata is a species of Aralia in the family Araliaceae.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Eat steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or raw in salads.
- Lightly cooking increases digestibility.
Interactions & contraindications
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect immune activity
Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)
Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.
Processed by the liver
Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)
Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.