Asarum sieboldii
| Asarum sieboldii | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Height: | 0.5' |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Asarum sieboldii (common name: wild ginger)
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[1]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[1]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[1]. 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[2]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[3][2].
Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[2].
The flowers are malodorous and are pollinated by flies[2].
Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[2].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Manchuria.
Habitat: Coniferous and mixed woods, dense shrub thickets[4]. Forests in moist humus-rich soils at elevations of 1200 - 2100 metres in China[5].
Medicinal: Odontalgic, sternutatory[6][7].
The entire plant is anaesthetic, analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypotensive[8]. It is used in the treatment of colds, severe toothache, rheumatic pain and chronic bronchitis with copious and thin phlegm[8]. This remedy should be used with caution, large doses of the essential oil can lead to death[8].
The root is analgesic, expectorant, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and purgative[9][10]. A decoction is used in the treatment of stuffy nose, toothache, headache, rheumatic aches and pains, productive coughing and wheezing[7]. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[11].
Pollinators: Flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: One report says that this plant should be used with caution, a reason is not given[8].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea. World Health Organisation, 1998.
- ↑ Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.