|
Mon, Jan 10, 05 at 16:15
| is this (canadensis) edible at all? does it have any of standard ginger's medicinal value? it grows annually in my yard, though it's been 2-3 years since any seed pod, after a dry-weather dieback (my backyard is so shaded that wild ginger can go until frost if water is available summerlong). |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by SWVirginiaDave z6 VA (My Page) on Wed, Jan 12, 05 at 7:48
| Don't eat wild ginger (Asarum species). Although it's listed in many books as having been used as a substitute for wild ginger, it contains (like many members of its family of plants) aristolochic acid which is toxic to the kidneys and probably carcinogenic. A significant number of people, especially in Europe in the early 90s, developed renal interstitial fibrosis which lead to permanent kidney failure as a result of taking Chinese herbal preparations containing aristolochic acid. Also some of them developed bladder cancer which was thought to be related to the herbal supplement. So taste if you will, but don't eat it. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Edible Landscape Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.