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WILD
GINGER
(Asarum canadense)
Indian ginger
Description:
Creeping, branching, aromatic rootstock; two kidney or heart-shaped
leaves appear in early spring at apex, with soft hairs forming
a velvet-like surface.A showy, bell-shaped, unpleasantly scented
flower, maroon outside, cream inside, in the leaf junction near
ground, persisting until seeds have ripened. North Carolina, Kansas
in rich soils and woodlands.
MEDICINAL:
Root, dried leaves help in chronic chest complaints, edema, painful
spasms of bowels, colic, gas, a digestive tonic. Native Americans
used it as a contraceptive, to treat colds, sore throats, nervous
conditions. Contains an anti-tumor compound. Dried root has a
spicy, slightly bitter taste and has been used as a ginger substitute.
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