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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 9963medicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 20 Oct 2026methodology → read

Asarum takaoi

Asarum takaoi
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleperennialedibleedible rootmedicinalnative asiaperennialshade tolerant
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Asarum takaoi (Asarum takaoi) — botanical photograph
Pl. 9963 — Asarum takaoi
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I

Overview

Asarum takaoi, a perennial plant native to Japan, thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant is both edible and medicinal, with a distinctive edible root that can be prepared in various ways, often used raw or cooked. Asarum takaoi is native to Japan and can be found growing in diverse soil types, making it adaptable to different garden conditions. In traditional Japanese herbal medicine, the root of Asarum takaoi has been used for digestive discomfort, often prepared as a decoction to soothe the stomach and intestines. Additionally, it appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. However, it is important to note that these uses are presented as ethnobotanical context and not as medical advice. This plant adds a unique touch to gardens and can be cultivated for both ornamental and culinary purposes. Its ability to thrive in various soil types and its traditional uses make Asarum takaoi a valuable addition to gardens and herbal medicine practices.

Quick answers

What is Asarum takaoi?

Asarum takaoi, a perennial plant native to Japan, thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant is both edible and medicinal, with a distinctive edible root that can be prepared in various ways, often used raw or cooked.

What is Asarum takaoi used for?

Traditionally used for digestion, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Asarum takaoi
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Asarum takaoi has been traditionally used in Japanese herbal medicine for digestive discomfort, often prepared as a decoction to soothe the stomach and intestines.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with gastrointestinal receptors or modulate gut motility.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
  • Traditional-use note: Asarum takaoi appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.

    Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Restful Night
sleep
tincture
Traditional use for promoting restful sleep.
Digestive Comfort
digestion
decoction
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Asarum takaoi thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial plant grows to a height of 0.1 meters and is native to Japan. It can be propagated through root division. The edible parts are the roots, making it suitable for gardeners interested in both ornamental and culinary uses.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Asarum takaoi for the first time

7steps

Start with Asarum takaoi by providing it a shady, moist spot in your garden or container.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A suitable location and a container if planting in pots.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Asarum takaoi in spring or early fall when the weather is mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining but moisture-retentive, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nurseries or divide mature plants in spring.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid direct sunlight during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Asarum takaoi is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used raw or cooked.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 1 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Asarum takaoi (Asarum takaoi) — botanical photograph
Asarum takaoi (Asarum takaoi)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 99639af4-74fa-4b0c-ac2d-10dd9e5fb50f
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