ARISTOLOCHIA

ARISTOLOCHIA,popularly called Birthwort; a medicinal Plant, used as an Ingredient in Treacle, etc. See THERIACA. Cicero derives its Name from its Inventor Aristolochus; others, from its Virtues—These last suppose it formed from ἄριστος, optimus, and λοχία, bringing forth young; in regard it is found of excellent Use in bringing down the Lochia, or Menses of Women newly delivered. See LOCHIA, etc. There are four Kinds of Aristolochia, viz. the roundish, long, rampant or creeping, and the slender; but only the two former are used among us.—The round is of a sub-acrid aromatic Taste, found very common in Languedoc, Spain, and Italy: Its Root is of particular Use in facilitating Delivery, provoking the Menses, and bringing down the Afterbirth; and is externally applied in vulnerary Tinctures, and in Waters for Gangrenes. The long Aristolochia likewise grows in Languedoc; its Root is used in Opiates, and in Tinctures for the Asthma, and to excite the Menses; its Decoction, in Lotions, to facilitate the Delivery of the After-birth, etc. Besides these, there are several other Kinds of Aristolochia in America; one particularly in Virginia, whose Roots are used against the Bites of venomous Beasts, in malignant Fevers, and the Small-Pox.—Its alexipharmic Virtue has occasioned it to be called Virginian Virginia.

ARISTOLOCHIA