Aristolochia rotunda

Aristolochia rotunda
Family:Aristolochia rotunda; Abortifacient; Antitussive; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Pectoral; Vermifuge; Vulnerary.
Common name:Snakeroot
The root is antitussive diuretic emmenagogue pectoral vermifuge and vulnerary. This herb should only be used internally with expert advice since large doses can provoke abortions as well as poisoning with inflammation of the mucous membranes resulting in respiratory paralysis. 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. Externally the plant is used to treat a variety of skin complaints including eczema and difficult to heal ulcers. The root is harvested in late spring and dried for later use.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:23 []