Wild ginger is a natural antiseptic, if I recall correctly. But it shouldn't be ingested cuz it can make you, sick? I dunno, it ain't for eatin', anyway.
Actually, Liam, as it turns out, you are more accurate than I first thought - see below.
Please excuse me for pasting excerpts out of my notes - it's just much quicker than having to type everything out.
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The rootstock of A. canadense has been used as a spice either fresh (crushed) or dried (powdered). It can also be candied. (EE44)
The leaves can also be used fresh or dried as a condiment. (EE44)
"Wild Ginger smells and tastes like commercial ginger (Zingibar officinale) and has been used in much the same way, but these two plants are not even distantly related. The leaves of wild gingers are more strongly flavoured than the rhizomes, and they are generally milder than commercial ginger. The rhizomes of wild ginger have been eaten fresh or dried and ground as a ginger substitute, and the leaves have been used to make a fragrant tea. Rhizomes, boiled until tender and then simmered in syrup for 20-30 minutes, are said to make excellent candy.
[THAT'S HER OPINION - YEARS AGO, MY WIFE MADE SOME OF THESE, ON THE BASIS OF WHAT WE READ IN BRAD ANGIER'S WILD EDIBLE BOOK, AND WHILE PALATABLE, I'D MUCH PREFER A SNICKERS BAR.] They have also been pickled in brandy." (ADH203)
WARNINGS!
Externally, it is an irritant, provoking dermatitis in certain people. (EE44)
It is wise to use moderation with all parts of this plant s a related European species (A. europaeum) is known to have emetic properties. (EE44)
Wild ginger should not be used by pregnant women. Large doses can cause nausea. People with sensitive skin may develop rashes from handling the fuzzy leaves. (ADH203)
[THIS WAS THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM REGARDING WARNINGS, THAT I WAS AWARE OF, BUT IN PREPARING THIS, I FOUND SOMETHING ELSE THAT BEARS READING - Doc]
MEDICINAL USE
It has been used as a carminative, diuretic and expectorant, and was reportedly made into a contraceptive tea for women by the Indians. (EE44)
"Medicinally this herb is used for flatulency.--Scrub the roots thoroughly and cut in short pieces crosswise. Keep barely covered with water and simmer until tender; this will take at least an hour. For each cup of ginger root add 1 cup of sugar. Boil another 30 minutes, then drain. Both the leftover sirup and the candied root are effective medicines. Bottle the sirup and cap tightly. Let the candied root dry for a day or two, then roll in granulated sugar and store in tight jars. This makes a delicious pungent nibble, much like the candied ginger of commerce.
When you are serving fresh fruit, beans or other foods which tend to form gas, nibble a few pieces of candied wild ginger at the end of the meal and the trouble will be eliminated. Or you can stir 1 tablespoon of the sirup in a glass of water and drink that and it will be just as effective." (EG282-283)
"Candied rhizomes were used to relieve coughing and stomach problems. The leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties, and they were used as poultices on cuts and sprains. Rhizomes were boiled to make medicinal teas for treating indigestion and colic. A stronger decoction was taken by women as a contraceptive and was used as drops for curing earaches. The leaf tea is said to stimulate sweating and increase secretions from the tear ducts, sinuses, mouth, stomach lining and uterus. It has been taken to relieve fevers, gas, stomach upset and slow, crampy menstrual periods, and to cleanse the skin when treating measles, chicken pox, rashes and acne. Wild ginger contains aristolochic acid, an antitumour compound." (ADH203)
TECHNOLOGICAL USES
Dried powdered leaves were used as a deodorant. (ADH203)
Some wild ginger plants contain a potential slug repellent: plants growing in areas with slugs produce chemicals that kill or repel these pests, whereas plant in slug-free habitats do not. (ADH203)
GENERAL (includes legend and lore)
Wild ginger in the bedding of ill or restless babies was believed to have a quieting, healing effect. (ADH203)
Dried powdered leaves were used as a deodorant. (ADH203)
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So that should give you a bit of picture of Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense).
I won't be getting out Monday (Chiropractor
) night but I might post another plant from Friday's hike.
Doc
I thought I read somewhere that the stems were usually reddish in color. That's what had me confused. This is a lot of fun. Hopefully, more will become actively involved.
