Common Name: Wild Ginger

General Information

Asarum sieboldii 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 often harvested from the wild for medicinal use and is sometimes traded.

Known Hazards

One report says that this plant should be used with caution, a reason is not given[].

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - northeast China, Korea.

Habitat

Coniferous and mixed woods, dense shrub thickets[]. Forests in moist humus-rich soils; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,100 metres in China[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.15 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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The entire plant is anaesthetic, analgesic, antibacterial, 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[].
This remedy should be used with caution, large doses of the essential oil can lead to death[].

The root is analgesic, expectorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, odontalgic, purgative, sedative and sternutatory[, ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of stuffy nose, toothache, headache, rheumatic aches and pains, productive coughing and wheezing[]. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

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.