Page 207 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Medicinal Use: While both the root and the leaves
can be used medicinally, the root is more powerful and
best used fresh.
Note that this is a different plant than the medicinal
comfrey, also in this book. I do not use this particular
wild comfrey species as reports of medicinal uses are
not backed up by as much research. I do use comfrey,
Symphytum officinale, quite often.

Itchy Skin: Wild Comfrey Root Decoction is said to
treat itchy skin.

Burns, Bruises, and Contusions: Wild com-
frey leaves have been used as a poultice for burns, and Fritzflohrreynolds, Wikipedia Commons, CC3.0
bruises. Again, I prefer Symphytum officinale and
don’t use Wild Comfrey. Warning: Avoid large doses and long-term use,
which can result in liver problems.

Wild Ginger, Colds and Flu: The root tea promotes sweating and

is useful in the treatment of colds and flu. It is an anti-
Asarum caudatum inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial, helping
to fight the underlying illness.
Also known as Canadian snakeroot, wild ginger is a
member of the Birthwort family. It is not a true ginger, Fights Infections: Compounds in the wild ginger
but tastes and smells like the popular spice. I like it as root inhibit the growth of many bacterial strains, low-
a flavoring and have never experienced any side ef- ering the risk of infections and helping to rid the body
fects, but many consider it potentially dangerous be- of existing infections. It does not kill existing germs,
cause of its aristolochic acid content. Use with caution. but prevents them from reproducing.
It is in the Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort) Family.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Oral bacteria that
Identification: Wild ginger is a low growing ground cause gingivitis and periodontitis respond to treatment
cover that loves the shade. The plant grows from a rhi- with wild ginger. Try using the unsweetened Wild Gin-
zome, producing two opposite slightly hairy heart- ger Root Tea as a mouthwash at least twice daily, after
shaped leaves about 3 to 5 inches (7.5 cm to 12.5 cm) brushing. Rinse and spit.
in size. In the spring, it produces single reddish- brown
flowers 1 to 1 1/2 inches (2.5 cm to 3.75 cm) in diame-
ter. The flowers are easy to miss, growing below the
leaf cover.
Edible Use: The root should not be eaten in large
quantities, but used as a flavoring. It has a strong aro-
matic smell that is a combination of ginger and pepper.
The leaves and roots make an excellent tea. Do not in-
fuse in vinegar or alcohol. Aristolochic acid is not very
soluble in water thus a tea is the preferred method of
ingestion.

Medicinal Use: Wild ginger root is best known for
its effect on the digestive system. It is soothing, laxa-
tive, and tonic.

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