Scientific Name: Asarum canadense

The plant contains aristolochic acid, a carcinogenic compound. The FDA warns that consumption of aristolochic acid-containing products is associated with permanent kidney damage. Native Americansused the plant as a medicinal herb to treat a number of ailments including dysentery, digestive problems, swollen breasts, coughs and colds, typhus, scarlet fever, nerves, sore throats, cramps, heaves, earaches, headaches, convulsions, asthma, tuberculosis, urinary disorders, and venereal disease.