Name: Aristolochia clematitis Names: Aristolochia root, upright
birthwort, birthwort, ma dou ling Used: Rootstock, flowering
Birthwort is a remedy that goes back to the ancient Egyptians,
who used it for snakebite. Early writings also indicate that it
has long been used to promote uterine contractions during
childbirth. Diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, oxytocic,
stimulant Fruit: Expectorant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, antifungal Birthwort has been used for abdominal
complaints and menstrual problems. The decoction can be used
externally for wounds and also for leg ulcers. Chinese
herbalists use the fruit when there is lung heat and
inflammation, with or without deficiency, but with the presence
of phlegm. For these conditions, it stops coughing and wheezing.
It is also used internally to treat bleeding hemorrhoids.
Birthwort is a perennial plant found growing around fences,
thickets, field edges, and vineyards. The erect, yellow-green,
somewhat sinuous stem grows to a height of 1 to 3