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 Asarum canadense (Aristolochiaceae)
WILD GINGER, CANADIAN SNAKEROOT
The dried root is given by herbalists
for flatulent indigestion. Chinese doctors prescribe wild ginger for headaches,
toothache, colds, and bad breath.
Not a ginger, although it smells similar,
A. canadense was used as a contraceptive by
North American Indians and as a stimulant by the early colonists. A native of North
America but also found in Russia and southeast Asia, it grows in moist woodlands.
A fleshy root produces two kidney-shaped leaves and one brownish, bell-like flower.
PARTS USED
Root collected in autumn.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil; asarin; resin; bitter
principle.
ACTIONS
Stimulant; increases urine production; relieves wind and colic; induces sweating.
MEDICINAL USE
Used in flatulent indigestion. Chinese doctors prescribe wild ginger for bad breath,
cold symptoms, watery eyes, hearing defects, headache, and toothache.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, finely ground as snuff.
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