Common Names

Aristolochia root
Ma-tou-ling
Upright birthwort
Back to Top

Parts Usually Used

Rootstock, flowers
Back to Top

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

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).
Back to Top

Where Found

Found growing in fence rows, tickets, field edges, and vineyards.
Back to Top

Medicinal Properties

Diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, oxytocic, stimulant
Back to Top

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.
Back to Top

Formulas or Dosages

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.
Back to Top

Warning

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.
Back to Top

Bibliography

• Culpeper's Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, pg., 218.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pgs., 224, 302.
• The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 120-121.
• Chinese Medicinal Herbs, compiled by Li Shih-Chen, pg., 49.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 289-290.
• Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 142.
• The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pg., 454.

Back to Top