Asarum
Parts Usually Used
Asarum Europaeum – Rootstock, leaves Asarum canadense L. – Root
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Asarum Europaeum Asarum is a perennial, evergreen plant; a low plant with a horizontal, creeping rootstock and prostrate stem. Two long-petioled, upright, shiny, leathery, dark green leaves grow from each bud on the stem, rising from 2-4 inches above the ground. The large, solitary flowers appear from March to May and are characterized by a green-brown color on the outside, reddish-black on the inside.
Asarum canadense L. Asarum canadense is a perennial plant; the knobby, root of the plant is round and fleshy, with dividing stem supporting a heart-shaped, deep green above and a light green below, soft, woolly and handsomely veined leaf, there being two to a plant. A single flower is small and brownish-purple, growing only a few inches high and covered by the dead leaves that carpet the woods.
The taste is pungent and bitter.
Where Found
Asarum Europaeum Grows in European woods Asarum canadense L. Grows in rich woods from Maine to Michigan, and southward.
Medicinal Properties
Asarum Europaeum – Rootstock: diuretic, emetic, purgative Leaves: cathartic, emetic, errhine Asarum canadense L. – Stimulant, carminative, tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic
Uses
Historically, *Asarum europaeum* was employed primarily as an emetic, and herbalists combined it with lance-leaf plantain in attempts to address mucus congestion in the nasal and respiratory passages. *Asarum canadense* L. was traditionally utilized as an appetite stimulant. External preparations were historically applied for gout, freckles, and snakebites, while poultices and other applications were also used in traditional practices for conditions such as colds, whooping cough, headache, dysmenorrhea, dropsy, ague, and fevers.
Additionally, Native American traditions utilized the plant as a ginger substitute to impart flavor.
Warning
Asarum Europaeum – Asarum is too dangerous to be used without medical supervision. Asarum canadense L. – Large doses cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Use under medical supervision.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H.
Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974