Asarum heterotropoides

Physical Characteristics

Asarum heterotropoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anaesthetic Analgesic Antipyretic Antitussive Diaphoretic Diuretic Hypotensive The entire plant is anaesthetic, analgesic, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypotensive[176]. It is used in the treatment of colds, severe toothache, rheumatic pain and chronic bronchitis with copious and thin phlegm[176]. This remedy should be used with caution, large doses of the essential oil can lead to death[176]. The root is used, interchangeably with A. sieboldii, as a diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and purgative[218]. The root contains about 3% of an essential oil which is the main medical agent - the isolated essential oil has caused death in laboratory animals[218]. The dried plant is used in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs, headaches etc[218].

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[7, 19]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.