- Asparagus officinalis L.
- Lily family
Parts Usually Used
Young shoots, seed, and root
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Asparagus is a perennial plant; the short, horizontal rootstock has
long, thick roots and sends up the young shoots that we eat as vegetables.
If allowed to mature, these become branched stems that reach 5 feet
in height. What look like leaves on the stem and branches are actually
filiform branches which are clustered in the axils of the scaly, inconspicuous
leaves (actually branches functioning as leaves). In May and June
the plant bears small, solitary, pendulous, bell-shaped, greenish-white,
seldom noticed, flowers. The fruit is a red berry, about 1/3
inch in diameter, containing black seeds and ripening in August.
Generally cultivated for food but may be found growing wild around
old garden sites and in waste places.
Aperient, diaphoretic, diuretic, nutritive, demulcent
Asparagin, sucrose, starch, and mucilage, folic acid, steroidal glycosides
Legends, Myths and Stories
Asparagus is a highly regarded herb worldwide. Chinese pharmacists
save the best roots of this plant for their families and friends in
the belief that it will increase feelings of compassion and love.
In India, asparagus is used to promote fertility, reduce menstrual
cramping and increase milk production in nursing mothers. In the Western
world, it has been touted as an aphrodisiac. These customs and beliefs
are not mere superstition: the root contains compounds called steroidal
glycosides that directly affect hormone production and may very well
influence emotions. High in folic acid, which is essential for production
of new red blood cells. Eat the young shoots and seeds.
Acts to increase cellular activity in the kidneys and so increases
the rate of urine production. Do not use asparagus when the kidneys
are inflamed. Encourages evacuation of the bowels by increasing fecal
bulk with undigested fiber. Recommended for gout,
dropsy, and rheumatism.
Not recommended for podagra. The powdered seed relieves nausea and
calms the stomach. Japanese report green asparagus aids protein conversion
into amino acids. The roots considered diuretic, laxative,
induce sweating. Chinese report
that the roots can lower blood
pressure. Seeds have antibiotic properties.
Supermarkets for vegetable tops Seed in powder form
May cause dermatitis. Do not use asparagus if diarrhea is present.
Do not use if kidneys are inflamed, because it increases the rate
of urinary production.