Asarabacca, Asarum canadense, A. europaeum, eat’s foot, false coltsfoot, hazelwort, Indian ginger, public house plant, snakeroot, wild nard
The useful constituents of wild ginger are obtained from Asarum canadense or A. europaeum. It contains phenylpropanol, transisoasarone, and aristolochic acid. Mode of action is unknown, but constituents of rhizome may have antibiotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory, expectorant, and sedative properties. Phenyl propanol may be responsible for effects on bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Some products are standardized for this constituent. Transisoasarone may cause emetic and spasmolytic effects. Aristolochic acid may be carcinogenic and nephrotoxic. Wild ginger is available as dried root, dried rhizome, and liquid extract, in products such as Bronchaid and Immunaid.
Reported uses
Asarum canadense is used to treat GI spasms, gas, and chronic pulmonary conditions such as bronchitis. It’s also used to produce sweating and promote menstruation. Wild ginger may be added to multiple-ingredient products and is promoted for chronic cough, bronchitis, or immune system support.
Extract of A. europaeum is used in Europe for acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial spasms, and bronchial asthma. It’s also used as a menstrual stimulant and antitussive and to treat angina pectoris, migraines, liver disease, jaundice, and pneumonia.
Administration
- Typical doses of A. canadense: 11;2 oz of powdered root in 1 pint boiling water as tea; taken hot
- Typical doses of A. europaeum: 30 mg dry extract by mouth for adults and children older than age 13.
Hazards
Wild ginger may cause partial paralysis, burning of tongue, nausea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, acute renal failure, and dermatitis. Herbal products that contain alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid wild ginger, as should patients with a kidney disorder or an infectious or inflammatory GI condition.
Clinical considerations
- Monitor patient’s kidney function with long-term use of wild ginger.
- Monitor patient’s response to wild ginger.
- Don’t confuse wild ginger with bitter milkwort (Polygala amara) or senega (P. senega), both of which are also known as snakeroot.
- Caution patient against long-term use because of possible kidney problems and carcinogenic effects of aristolochic acid in the wild ginger.
- Warn patient to keep all herbal products away from children and pets.
- Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal and dietary supplements that are being taken when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of wild ginger and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.