Summary:

Based on historical use and available research, asarum does not seem well tolerated in humans, except as a homeopathic agent. Asarum is known commonly as wild ginger and is in the Asarum genus, which consists of about 60 species of perennial woodland herbs. Asarum has been administered by those trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries as an analgesic, anesthetic, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic, and hypotensive herb. Asarum europaeum has been used homeopathically for anxiety, excitability, nervousness, or melancholy. Asarum has been used topically to reduce premature ejaculation.

Uses:

No human scientific evidence available that qualifies for grading.

Safety:

Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to asarum, its constituents, or related plants in the Aristolochiaceae family. Use cautiously if taking medications or supplements that are nephrotoxic or renally excreted. Use cautiously with low serum zinc levels or with existing renal dysfunction or renal disease, as the constituent aristolochic acid has been reported to cause renal damage resulting in dialysis, transplant, or death. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:

	Based on historical use and available research, it appears that asarum is not well tolerated in humans except as a homeopathic agent. Aristolochic acid found in asarum has been reported to cause severe renal failure resulting in dialysis, transplant, and death.
	Contact dermatitis, renal damage resulting in dialysis, transplant, or death.

Possible interactions:

Nephrotoxic agents, renally-excreted agents, multiple vitamin supplements and herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):

No safe internal dosage of asarum has been clinically established.

Children (younger than 18 years):

Not enough scientific data available.