Birthwort originated from Europe. Though tropical in nature, it can still be found in some parts of Japan, Scandinavia and Canada. The root is shaped like a spindle with at most 5 centimeters up to 3 diameters in length, and can be about 2 centimeters in thickness. The roots are fleshy and very brittle. The outside can be greyish in color while brownish-yellowish inside. Its flowers though, are colored in pale yellow and tubular in form, and shaped like a trumpet in clusters of two to eight. The sepals are also tubular in form however it is dark-colored which can produce a strong smell that can attract pollinating flies. This species can grow as vines or creeping herbs.
Birthwort has been used as medicinal plant in olden times. Its traditional use was in the form of juice (extracted from the root) to induce labor for pregnant women. After childbirth, when drank, the juice helps prevent infection and prompt menstruation. The juice was also used as treatment for ulcers, asthma and bronchitis. Other uses of birthwort include treatment of snakebites (a poultice is created from the powered root) in Native America, Amazon and Mexico while used as a contraceptive in India. However, in Germany, the use of birthwort for medicinal purposes was banned. This is because the plant can be poisonous.
Birthwort contains substances or compounds that are antibacterial (destroys bacteria or prevents bacteria growth), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), antispasmodic (relieves spasm), antiviral (effective against viruses), immunostimulant (stimulates the immune system), nervine (calms the nerves), diaphoretic (induces perspiration), emmenagouge (stimulates menstrual flow), and febrifuge (reduces fever). However, it was found out that birthwort’s toxicity came from the aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is composed of carcinogens (substances that can cause cancer), mutagens (substances that cause radiation and sometimes the cause of genetic mutation) and nephrotoxic compounds (substances that damage kidney). Because of this, birthwort is now believed to have adverse effects on the body such as kidney failures and malignancies in the urinary tract when used without proper supervision.
Though the plant can be toxic, people still often use birthwort (Aristolochia spp.) to treat anal fissure. Anal fissure is defined as a cut or split in the linings of anal tissues. This is often caused by chronic constipation and diarrhea, childbirth and insertion of foreign objects into the anus. Its symptoms include anal bleeding, irritation in the anus, and pain during and after bowel movements. Sometimes, the pain lasts ranging from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the aggravation in the linings of the anal tissue. Because of this, the muscles surrounding the anus (anal sphincter) go into spasm. Since the plant has the ability to relieve pain, it is no wonder that people still use birthwort (Aristolochia spp.) to treat anal fissure.
Caution: Due to birthwort’s high toxicity, it is strongly advised to consult experts and professionals first before using the plant as a medicine. It is also not recommended that pregnant women use this as medication. Excessive use of birthwort can lead to series of intense spasms, vomiting, respiratory paralysis, and even death.
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