The heart-shaped green leaves are the hallmark of this creeper, a plant in the Aristolochiaceae family, whose flower looks like a human kidney and grows attached to other plants. It can be found in various parts of the planet, but it is native of South America. It is particularly easy to find in the Brazilian forests, where it is known for Birthwort, among other popular denominations, but its scientific name is Aristolochia esperanzae Kuntze.
The Birthwort is spread over about 50 similar species and has a menu loaded with properties that made him famous in Brazil, by Carlos Chagas. The biologist doctor and scientist, use the Birthwort to successfully treat thousands of malaria-infected railway workers. A miracle thanks to the potential that the plant offers: it is antiseptic, diuretic, sedative, digestive, analgesic and antifungal.
Impact on the body
It is a plant indicated to treat stresses of asthma, fevers, gastric, poor digestion, diarrhea, gout, seizures, epilepsy, flatulence, cramps, kidneys, liver, heart, worms, resistant viruses, and syphilis, among others. It is also recommended for diabetes and helps in treating certain degenerative diseases.
The Birthwort is also consumed to curb the effect of snake bites, for this purpose the shredded leaves are placed at the bite site to nullify the poison.
The stem of the plant is usually used through infusion, but its consumption should be monitored by a health expert, as this plant is highly toxic (it was used by the Indians to poison the arrowheads that they shot at their enemies). The use of the Birthwort should not exceed 30 days. Expert advice is required, as the Birthwort is completely contraindicated for women in pregnancy because it can cause an abortion as well as for people suffering from high blood pressure.
How to prepare an infusion?
It is easy to find the crushed and dried plant stem in health food stores ready to be consumed. In a coffee maker with one liter water put two tablespoons of Birthwort, which is left for 10 minutes over low heat, then strain and cold, drink twice a day.
This text is an awareness. According to the season and the moment in which you are, it is up to each one to feel if they should consume this plant. The dosage and frequency depend on the nature and physical condition of each Human Being.
