Asarum (Chinese Wild Ginger) ~ Asarum sieboldii

Asarum (Chinese Wild Ginger)

Latin name: Asarum sieboldii

Family: Aristolochiaceae

Part used: root and entire plant

Habitat:China (A. canadense in rich soils of woodlands of N. America andCanada)

Main constituents: volatile oil, aristolochic acid

Energetics: bitter, pungent

Main herbal actions: expectorant, carminative, diaphoretic

Releases the Exterior, Disperses Cold

Main Chinese herbal actions: exterior cold patterns, Stops Pain from cold, For Wind-Cold causing body aches, headache, toothache, Warms Lungs, For copious cold phlegm, congested fluids, nasal congestion

Minor herbal actions: stimulant

Main medicinal uses: amenorrhea, bronchitis, tonsillitis, nephritis, chills, cold, flu, fever, joint pain

Minor medicinal uses: indigestion

Preparations: powdered root: 1-4 g qd

Contraindications: contains aristolochic acid

Toxicity: contains aristolochic acid, some authorities have concern

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, Bensky and Gamble