Herb latin name: Asarum maximum


Family: Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)



Medicinal use of Asarum maximum:

Analgesic, expectorant. Used as a gargle for sore throats etc.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Forests in humus rich soils at elevations of 600 - 800 metres.

Propagation of Asarum maximum:

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.

Cultivation of the herb:

Forests in humus rich soils at elevations of 600 - 800 metres.

Known hazards of Asarum maximum:

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. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.