Common Name: |
Frail birthwort |
Other Names: |
Long birthwort |
Botanical Name: |
Aristolochia debilis |
Genus: |
Aristolochia |
Family: |
Aristolochiaceae |
Location: |
China and Japan |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, thin out previous year's growths or cut back to two or three nodes in late winter. Aphids, whitefly, and spider mite may damage foliage of plants under cover. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring at 13-16°C (55-61°F); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by division in early spring or autumn; by layering in autumn. |
Harvest: |
Roots are harvested in autumnm and fruits collected when ripe, and dried for liquid extracts, decoctions, powders, and tinctures. Oil is distilled from dried roots (A. serpentaria). |
Height: |
1m (3ft) |
Width: |
1m (3ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z9-11 |
Parts Used: |
Roots (qing mu xiang), fruits (ma dou ling). |
Properties: |
An herb with painkilling and anti-inflammatory effects (roots). It also lowers blood pressure, controls coughing, relaxes bronchial spasms, and acts as an expectorant. (fruits) |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for arthritis, prurulent wounds, hypertension, snake and insect bites, and gastric disorders involving bloating (roots); also for asthma, wet coughs, bronchitis, hypertention, and hemorrhoids (fruits). For use by qualified practitioners only. |
Warning: |
Toxic if eaten This herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni BrownCopyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 129 |