A family-friendly Aralia Tree

It’s not hard to understand why so many people prefer the Aralia Tree as a houseplant. This exotic beauty native to Southeast Asia is an appealing home accent, but there is a lot more to this tree than meets the eye. Read on to learn about its healing properties, but also about how it can harm your family members and pets.

The Aralia Tree first grew in Polynesia, but today it’s considered native to India, and is cultivated in a number of Asian countries. Thriving in climates of medium humidity, Aralias are prolific in these parts of the world. The people of these countries regard the Aralia Tree, also known as the Ming Aralia, as a plant that brings healing to sufferers of a number of common maladies. Medical research on its healing properties is inconclusive, but its widespread use persists. The oils and roots of the aralia are believed to contain properties that work as anti-inflammatories and anti-toxins. They are applied also as an antibacterial ointment, and used to aid digestion and ease neuralgia and rheumatic pains. Sometimes, they are even used to fight dysentery and to act as a diuretic. Of course, Aralia Trees are still considered ornamental in the east, and are also used as a cooking spice.

Clearly, the Ming Aralia is a very useful tree, but those who keep live Aalia Trees in the home should beware: They can be toxic to your children and pets. Babies and toddlers like to put everything in their mouths, as parents everywhere can attest to, and your houseplants are no different. The Aralia is not the most toxic plant you could display, but it’s not harmless either. Children who ingest leaves from a Ming Aralia may experience fever, rash, dry mouth, inflammation, and gastrointestinal upset. If your child ingests this plant, you should call your doctor immediately. A pet who ingests Ming Aralia leaves may experience stomach problems, and likewise you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Because houseplants can have ill effects on the little ones in your house, they must be kept completely out of reach. But the safest bet is to keep silk house plants instead. A high-quality artificial Aralia Tree can mimic a live tree so closely, it will be tough for anyone to tell the difference, and given the safety risks, it’s worth it. Not only will you potentially save your child or animal from illness; you will also save yourself time and energy spent on caring for a live Aralia Tree. To view a fabulous selection of lovely, and safe silk Aralia Trees, check here. You will choose from potted and unpotted trees of many shapes and sizes. Silk trees are starting to sound pretty good, aren’t they?