Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Asarum canadense is commonly known as wild ginger. The long rhizomes of wild ginger were used by Native Americans as a seasoning. Although it is similar to true ginger, wild ginger should not be used as a substitute because it contains an unknown concentration of the carcinogen aristolochic acid. Native Americans used the plant as a medicinal herb to treat a number of ailments including dysentery, digestive problems, swollen breasts, coughs and colds, typhus, scarlet fever, nerves, sore throats, cramps, heaves, earaches, headaches, convulsions, asthma, tuberculosis, urinary disorders and venereal disease.