Common Name:

General Information

Asarum heterotropoides is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves up to 15cm tall from a creeping rootstock, The rather interesting, but unpleasant-smelling flowers are hidden amongst the leaves[].
The plant is widely used in Chinese medicine and is commonly harvested from the wild for this purpose. It is sold in local markets.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[, ]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - northeast China, northern and central Japan

Habitat

Moist shady places in forests on mountain slopes or in valleys[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Self, Flies
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[].
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[, ].
The flowers are malodorous and are mainly self-pollinated but are also pollinated by mycotrophic flies[, ].
Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[].
The sub-species Asarum heterotropoides mandschurica. (Maxim.)Kitag., is the form most widely used in Chinese medicine[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The entire plant is anaesthetic, analgesic, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypotensive[]. It is used in the treatment of colds, severe toothache, rheumatic pain and chronic bronchitis with copious and thin phlegm[]. The dried plant is used in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs, headaches etc[].
This remedy should be used with caution, large doses of the essential oil can lead to death[].

The root is used, interchangeably with Asarum sieboldii, as a diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and purgative[].
The root contains about 3% of an essential oil which is the main medical agent - the isolated essential oil has caused death in laboratory animals[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring.
Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase[]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.