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Upright Birthwort | | Name : | Upright Birthwort | | Synonyms : | Aristolochia root
Ma-tou-ling
Upright birthwort
| | Parts Used : | Rootstock, flowers | | Habitat : | Found growing in fence rows, tickets, field edges, and vineyards. | | Description : | Birthwort is a perennial plant; the erect, yellow-green, somewhat sinuous stem grows 1-3 feet tall from a long, thin rootstock.The dark green leaves are kidney-shaped and short-petioled.The flowers occur in axillary clusters and feature a yellowish-green, curved, tubular calyx.Flowering time is May to June.
Other varieties: Virginia snakeroot (A. serpentaria), Dutchman's-pipe (A. tomentosa). | | Constituents : | Diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, oxytocic, stimulant | | Uses : | The ancient Egyptians used birthwort for snakebite.Used for uterine contractions in childbirth, indigestion, dysmenorrhea, menstrual problems.The decoction used externally for wounds, sores, and leg ulcers. | | Dosage : | Use the entire plant when it is in flower, otherwise use only the rootstock.
Decoction: use 2 tbsp. fresh plant or rootstock with 1 cup water.Boil for 10 minutes, then strain.Dosage as directed by a doctor.
Cold extract: Use 1 tsp. plant or rootstock with 1 cup cold water.Let stand for 6 to 8 hours.Dosage is directed by a doctor. | | Safety : | Birthwort contains a substance that acts similar to poisonous alkaloid colchicine.Use with care, preferably with medical supervision.Do not take during pregnancy, only during labor at childbirth.Use only under medical supervision. |
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