California Spikenard (Aralia californica), also known as Elk Clover, has a history of traditional use among various Native American groups in California. Its roots and berries were employed in indigenous herbal medicine for a range of ailments, including as a remedy to reduce fever. The most frequently documented uses were as a decoction or infusion made from the root. Ethnobotanical records, such as those compiled by the University of Michigan's Native American Ethnobotany Database, indicate that tribes like the Karuk and Yuki used preparations of California Spikenard for fever and as a general tonic.

However, there is minimal direct scientific research investigating the antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties of Aralia californica. The evidence supporting its use for fever is almost entirely anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge, rather than clinical studies or pharmacological evaluations. Some related species in the Aralia genus have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to California Spikenard without specific supporting data.

In summary, the use of California Spikenard for fever is justified by traditional practices, with a low evidence rating due to the absence of modern scientific validation.