Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Other Names: Snakeroot,
Canadian Wild Ginger, Ginger Root, Indian Ginger, False Coltsfoot
Caution: Contains
Aristolochic Acid, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause cancer,
mutations in human cells, and end-stage kidney failure. Historical Information
only.
Habitat
Wild Ginger is a native North American perennial found
growing in moist rich soils in shady woodlands in Eastern N. America from
New Brunswick to Kansas, south to N. Carolina and Tennessee. Prefers a
rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position.
Cultivation
Wild Ginger can be easily cultivated through seed
or transplanted seedlings. It requires deep shade and likes the dampness
of spring.
Description
The large heart or kidney shaped leaves are hairy, dark green and
deeply indented at the stem they grow in opposite pairs to a height of
about 8 to 10 inches. The small maroon to brown, deep bowl shaped flowers
grow at the base, between the leaf stems, it is single short stemmed and
hairy outside and seems to split open into three outwardly folded petals,
flowers bloom from March to May. The root is a long rhizome (underground
stem), it is light green and tender or crispy, when crushed it has a
strong antiseptic smell. Wild
Ginger contains the constituent aristolochic
acid.
Health
Canada is advising consumers not
to use products containing Aristolochic Acid, a naturally occurring toxin
that can cause cancer, mutations in human cells, and end-stage kidney
failure.
Dried root is burned as incense and is said to repel insects. The root and
rhizome were slowly boiled in a small quantity of water for a long time
and the resulting liquid taken as a contraceptive by the women of many
American Indian tribes. A spray made from the decoction is a good
deodorant and is handy in the first aid kit as an antiseptic. It is also
used as an insecticide. A very strong decoction is used as a herbicide. Gather roots only (flowers and stems are not edible, said to be
poisonous) in spring to late fall. Dry for later herb use.
Folklore
One group of early American settlers (witch hunters) called Wild Ginger (wartchase)
and believed witches used it to rid themselves of warts so they would not
be recognized.
Antiseptic salve: Use fresh or dried
herb crushed, add to lotion or salve base, apply under bandage.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron
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