Aristolochia clematitis
Birthwort
a perennial member of the Aristolochia genus in the family Aristolochiaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Genus
- Aristolochia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.7 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Fertility
- Flies
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Flies
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The root and stem are poisonous[6]. The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[13]. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[9]. Another report says that aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and that it also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[5].
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Birthwort has a very long history of medicinal use, though it has been little researched scientifically and is little used by present-day herbalists[13][14]. It is an aromatic tonic herb that stimulates the uterus, reduces inflammation, controls bacterial infections and promotes healing[11]. The juice from the stems was used to induce childbirth[14]. The plant contains aristolochic acid which, whilst stimulating white blood cell activity and speeding the healing of wounds, is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[13]. The flowering herb, with or without the root, is abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, oxytocic and stimulant[16][17][8][2][7]. Another report says that the root is used on its own[11] whilst a third says that either the fresh flowering herb or the dried rootstock can be used[14]. The plant should not be used internally without experienced supervision, externally it is used in the treatment of slow-healing cuts, eczema, infected toe and finger nails etc[17]. Use with caution, internal consumption can cause damage to the kidneys and uterine bleeding[16][17][8]. It should not be used by pregnant women[11].
- Product or use
- Abortifacient
- Product or use
- Antiinflammatory
- Product or use
- Antispasmodic
- Product or use
- Diaphoretic
- Product or use
- Emmenagogue
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
- Product or use
- Oxytoxic
- Product or use
- Stimulant
Environment
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[3]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[3]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[7]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division in autumn[7]. Root cuttings in winter[7].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[1][3]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[3]. The plant has an invasive root system[10]. Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers, often smelling like decaying flesh[12], that are pollinated by flies[7]. The insects that pollinate this plant become trapped in the hairy throat of the flower[10]. Birthwort was formerly cultivated as a medicinal plant in most of Europe[15].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press 1969-00-00 ISBN 0192176218
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148
Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-85613-067-2
? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2