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Asarabacca

Asarum europaeum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Piperales
Family:
Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort)
Also in this family:
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, parks, riverbanks, riversides, roadsides, wasteland, waterside, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Green, no petals
 
Pale yellowish-green bell-shaped flowers. No petals. 3 maroon sepals. The flowers are usually hidden beneath the leaves. 12 stamens. Pollinated by flies.
Fruit:
A 6-parted capsule.
Leaves:
The leathery, dark green leaves are glossy and kidney-shaped. The leaves measure about 3 inches (7.5cm) across. Evergreen perennial. Asarabacca has a preference for growing in Beech woodland.
Aroma:
The flowers are very smelly.
Other Names:
European Wild Ginger, Foalfoot, Foal's Foot, Hazelwort, Wild Ginger, Wild Ginger Blossom, Wild Nard, Wild Spikenard.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Other Information

Summary

Asarum europaeum, also known as European wild ginger or heart's ease, is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the ginger family and is known for its small, brown flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Asarum europaeum is a low-growing plant that is often used as a groundcover in gardens. It is easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates. Asarum europaeum prefers partial shade to full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. The plant is generally hardy and low maintenance, but it can be prone to pests such as slugs and snails. Asarum europaeum is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine the safety and effectiveness of using it medicinally.

Blog

Asarabacca, also known as European wild ginger, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Asarum genus, which contains around 60 species of plants. The scientific name for European wild ginger is Asarum europaeum.

Asarabacca is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches. Its leaves are glossy and dark green, and they are heart-shaped. The plant also produces small, brownish-purple flowers that are not typically visible due to their location at the base of the plant.

The plant is commonly found in woodlands, and it prefers moist, shady environments. It is also commonly found in gardens and can be grown as an ornamental groundcover. Asarabacca is hardy and can withstand frost and cold temperatures.

Asarabacca has a long history of medicinal use. The plant's root has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Asarabacca is also an important plant in traditional Chinese medicine. The root is used to help with a variety of ailments, including allergies, asthma, and digestive problems. In Western herbal medicine, the plant is said to be a tonic for the digestive system and is used to help with a variety of stomach and bowel complaints.

Asarabacca is a fascinating plant with a variety of uses. It's not only a beautiful ornamental plant but also has a long history of medicinal use.

The plant's root is traditionally used in a variety of ways. It is dried, powdered and made into a decoction or tincture. The root can also be used fresh or dried and steeped as a tea. It is said to be a tonic for the digestive system and is used to help with a variety of stomach and bowel complaints. It is also believed to be helpful for respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Asarabacca also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful in treating various skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The root is also used to help with pain, including headaches and menstrual cramps.

Asarabacca is also an important plant in traditional Chinese medicine. The root is used to help with a variety of ailments, including allergies, asthma, and digestive problems. It is said to have a warming effect on the body and is often used to help with coldness in the stomach and intestines.

The plant is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated by division or seed. It prefers a moist, shady environment and can be grown in a variety of soil types. It is a hardy plant that can withstand frost and cold temperatures.

Asarabacca is also known for its unique and distinct aroma, which is said to be similar to that of ginger. This aroma is due to the presence of volatile oils found in the root of the plant. These oils are responsible for many of the plant's medicinal properties and are used in a variety of aromatherapy applications.

The plant is also used in traditional European folk medicine to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. It is said that the plant's strong aroma can repel negative energy and bring good luck to the household. The plant is also believed to be a symbol of protection and is used in various rituals and ceremonies.

In addition to its medicinal and traditional uses, Asarabacca is also a popular plant in the culinary world. The root of the plant can be used as a spice, and it has a unique flavor that is similar to ginger. It can be used in savory dishes and can also be used to make tea.

It is important to note that the plant is toxic if ingested in large amounts, and it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is also important to use the plant under the guidance of a qualified practitioner if you plan to use it for medicinal purposes.

In conclusion, Asarabacca, also known as European wild ginger, is a versatile and fascinating plant with a long history of medicinal, traditional, and culinary uses. Its root has unique aroma, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and is used for a variety of ailments. The plant is easy to grow and can be propagated by division or seed, it's also a popular ornamental plant. However, it's important to use the plant with caution, and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner if you plan to use it for medicinal purposes.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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