Materia Medica Lesson 4-2: Aristolochia

 A simple bitter to increase upper GI secretions, but very strong. Watsonii, especially stimulates protein metabolism in liver. Stimulates Phagocytosis, detox and immunity. Increases visceral blood supply and peripheral circulation. Watsonii is the most mild of the Aristolochia and can be used as tonic for long term adrenalin stress. Contra indicated with pregnancy and most prescriptions because it caused the liver to process the drug too quickly. Californica (Dutchman's Pipe) is a bit stronger than Watsonii. For all but Dutchman's pipe, the leaf and stem are as strong as the root. Serpentaria over stimulates circulation - makes you hot and throbbing, strong liver stimulant, stimulates respiration - rarely appropriate, too stimulating. Sometimes though, it is good for long-term viruses with periodic fevers... malaria, typhoid, etc. Watsonii is good immunologic tonic. Watsonii doesn't cause over-reaction and is good for immuno-depression, dry skin, gets sick a lot - kidney and liver deficient, worn out through age and hard work.

ARISTOLOCHIA CALIFORNICA (California Snakeroot, Cal. Dutchman's Pipe WHOLE PLANT. Fresh Plant Tincture [1:2] 5-20 drops to 3X a day. STATUS : W/LA (?)

ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria) ROOT and HERB. Tincture [Fresh Plant, 1:2, Dry Root, 1:5, 70% alc.) 5-20 drops to 3X a day. For extended use, use only low doses, and within a formula. STATUS : W/LA (?)

ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONII (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio) Same as previous, but safer for extended use, as is A. californica. STATUS : W/LA

From  SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR HERBS IN GENERAL USE Third edition Michael Moore:

ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA Hypotension with water retention and edema. Arteriosclerosis with confusion, sluggishness in aged, aggravated by chilling. Delirium tremens in asthenics. Phosphaturia aggravated by cold damp weather or present only in winter. Polyuria during or after cold weather. Anorexia nervosa in the feeble, asthenic. Chronic constipation with poor fat absorption, sluggish portal circulation. Dry, hot skin. Dry eczema. Amenorrhea, from recent viral infection or from exposure to cold or accompanying chronic, debilitating disease. Dysmenorrhea with poor appetite, indigestion, old sensations and constipation. Impotence/frigidity, with depressed circulation and intestinal function; or from emotional distraction and cooling of skin during love-making. Labor, with great sense of coldness. Blood serum levels: LDL, VLDL elevated. Periodic fever, in evenings with moist skin, unresolved sweating. Nutritional malabsorption w/steatorrhea, no cecal inflammation, dark feces with bad breath, subcutaneous pre-acne eruptions. Nutritional malabsorption in conjunction with lipotropic therapies. Asthenia - real chill aggravating chronic disorders, hypersensitive skin in thoracic and lumbar dermatomes. Apathy aggravated by cold, with hypersensitive thoracic dermatomes. 

ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONI Broad, thick tongue. Dyspnea induced by external chill. Cardiovascular edema with weak circulation debility. Anorexia nervosa in the feeble, asthenic. Chronic constipation with poor fat absorption, sluggish portal circulation. Chronic gastritis with liver weakness, poor portal circulation. Dry eczema. Asthenia with poor digestion, vascular weakness, pale mucosa. Amenorrhea, from recent viral infection; or accompanying chronic, debilitating disease. Dysmenorrhea with poor appetite, indigestion, old sensations and constipation. Impotence/frigidity with depressed circulation and intestinal function. Nutritional malabsorption with steatorrhea but no cecal inflammation, dark feces with bad breath, subcutaneous pre-acne eruptions. Nutritional malabsorption in conjunction with lipotropic therapies. To stimulate innate immunity. 

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/