Herbs of the Field - Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger has been used for generations by indigenous tribes and was introduced to the early colonists of the United States. Wild ginger is found from Manitoba south to Georgia.  Wild ginger is known as a colic root as it has been used to treat colic, upset stomachs, indigestion and cramps. The root has an antibiotic substance that can be used in poultices and used on wounds and other skin inflammations. This treatment has been traced back to Meriweather Lewis as he explored the Louisiana territory. Its usage is due to its broad spectrum antibiotic properties which has been shown to kill pathogens covering some foods.

Wild ginger has also been used as a general health tonic. Some of the properties of wild ginger cause sweating which is helpful for treating fevers, it helps stimulate appetite, and has  been used to treat heart palpitations. For some, wild ginger can cause vomiting. Native Americans used wild ginger for coughs, colds, sore throats, headaches, earaches, asthma, heaves, cramps, and birth control.

Identification: Wild ginger is a shade-loving perennial, that is found low to the ground, 4 to 6 inches. The leaves are heart shaped, velvety, veined, dark green. Wild ginger is found growing in woodland regions. The flowers are not visible because they ground under the leaf litter in the wooded area. Just pull the leaves aside and the wild ginger flowers should be visible. But the wild ginger doesn’t have true flowers as the “flower” is actually the sepals of a “flower.”   

Harvesting:  The flavor of the wild ginger is found in the stems and leaves and not the rhizomes, and not recommended to ingest whole.

Usage: Used in a tea, or made into a tincture.  As a poultice for wounds. Leaves can be dried.

Cautions: Extremely high doses can be fatal, contains aristolochic acid which is a kidney toxin.