Herb · Africa
Worm killer
Aristolochia bracteata
Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, promotes menstruation, cleansing, antipyretic, expels worms; strengthens contractions, for colic, absent or painful menstruation, intermittent fever, worms, skin diseases.
Safety notes
Contains aristolochic acid, which can cause severe kidney damage and cancer; banned in herbal products in the EU and many other countries. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not in pregnancy (abortifacient). Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Not in pregnancy (abortifacient). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
In Ayurveda (kitamari) and the Siddha medicine of South India the plant was used externally for skin diseases and internally for worms and fever. Since it became known that all Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acid, they are considered dangerous; the Belgian 'Chinese herb nephropathy' of the 1990s made this clear worldwide. Sanskrit name: Kitamari.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Laxative, promotes menstruation, cleansing, antipyretic, expels worms; strengthens contractions, for colic, absent or painful menstruation, intermittent fever, worms, skin diseases.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, decoction, powder, juice.
Caution: Not in pregnancy (abortifacient). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionPowder and kitchen