Birthwort, Heartwort, Asarabacca, creeping birthwort, Virginia Snakeroot

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 10 min read

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains European Birthwort Facts in simple medical language.
This article explains European Birthwort Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses and benefits of European Birthwort in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Definition

European Birthwort is a twining herbaceous plant scientifically known as Aristolochia clematitis and belongs to Aristolochiaceae family. The plant is native to Europe, but has been introduced into and established in a few parts of North America including Quebec, Ontario and New York to Ohio and Maryland where it is most commonly found in the wild along roadsides and in waste places. Some of the most common names given to it are Birthwort, Heartwort, Asarabacca, creeping birthwort, European Birthwort, Virginia Snakeroot, Snakeroot, Dutchman’s pipe and Pipevine. Genus name comes from the Greek words aristos meaning best and locheia meaning childbirth or delivery in reference to the fact that plants of some species within this genus have a flower structure which more closely resembles a human fetus in the womb than a pipe, and served in the past as the source of ancient plant preparations used for treatment of pain and infections incident to childbirth.

European Birthwort Facts

Name	European Birthwort
Scientific Name	Aristolochia clematitis
Native	Europe
Common Names	Birthwort, Virginia Snakeroot, Snakeroot, Dutchman’s Pipe, Pipevine
Name in Other Languages	Azerbaijani: Ağəsməyəbənzər zəravənd Bulgarian: Обикновена вълча ябълка Catalan, Valencian: Aristolòquia sarmentosa Danish: Hjertebladet slangerod Dutch: Pijpbloem English: Birthwort, Heartwort, Asarabacca, creeping birthwort, European Birthwort French: Aristoloche, Aristoloche clématite, Sarrasine, Asarabacca Finnish: Herttapiippuköynnös, piippuruoho FYRO Macedonian: Volčje jabolko (Волчје јаболко) German: Gewöhnliche Osterluzei, Wolfskraut, Gemeine Osterluzei, Hungarian: Közönséges farkasalma Norwegian Bokmål: Pipeurt Nynorsk, Norwegian: Holurt Polish: Kokornak powojnikowy Portuguese: Aristolóquia Romanian: Mărul lupului Russian: Kirkason lomonosovidnyj (киркасон ломоносовидный), Kirkazon lomonosovidnyy (Кирказон ломоносовидный) Serbian: Vučja jabuka (Вучја јабука) Spanish: Aristoloquia, Clemátide Swedish: Halrot, Hållrot, hålört
Plant Growth Habit	Rhizomatous, deciduous, non-climbing perennial plant
Growing Climate	Waste ground, roadsides, gardens, orchards
Soil	Prefers a medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter
Plant Size	2-3 feet (infrequently to 4 feet) tall
Root	Invasive root system. Root is spindle-shaped, ranging from 5 cm to 3 cm in length, about 2 cm thick, fleshy, brittle, greyish on the outside, brownish-yellow inside
Stem	Erect, simple, grooved and glabrous
Leaf	Heart shaped, alternate, pale yellow-green, long-stalked, cordate leaves
Flowering Periods	Jul to September
Flower	Each flower is up to 1 inch in diameter and has a straight funnel-shaped tube with pointed, curved upper lips. It is foul smelling
Fruit Shape & Size	Pear-shaped fruit is the size of a nut and opens up in six flaps containing flat, triangular seeds.
Fruit Color	Green
Flavor/Aroma	Strong disagreeable odor (Root)
Taste	Bitter (Root)
Plant Parts Used	Root stock, Flowers
Available Forms	Tincture, cream, poultice or sitting baths.

European Birthwort Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Aristolochia clematitis

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass	Magnoliidae
Order	Aristolochiales
Family	Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort family)
Genus	Aristolochia L. (dutchman’s pipe)
Species	Aristolochia clematitis L. (birthwort)
Synonyms	Aristolochia clematitis f. undulata Priszter Aristolochia infesta Salisb. Aristolochia longa Georgi Aristolochia rotunda Georgi Aristolochia tenuis Houtt.

It was previously used as a medicinal plant, though it is poisonous, and is now occasionally found established outside of its native range as a relic of cultivation. It is now thought to be the cause of thousands of kidney failures in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia where the plant is thought to be unintentionally consumed through contaminated flour. Urinary tract menaces among those who have consumed the plant are also reported. The link between renal failure and aristolochic acid, which the plant contains, was discovered after a clinic for obesity in Belgium used herbal products based on another plant of the same genus as a diuretic. After a few months, some of the patients experienced kidney failure.

Plant Description

European Birthwort is a rhizomatous, deciduous, non-climbing perennial plant that grows about 2-3 feet (infrequently to 4 feet) tall. The plant is found growing in waste ground, roadsides, gardens and orchards and prefers a medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter. Plant has invasive root system. Root is spindle-shaped, ranging from 5 cm to 3 cm in length, about 2 cm thick, fleshy, brittle, greyish on the outside, brownish-yellow inside. A cross-section of the irregular, erect stem is blunt and quadrangular. The stem is erect, simple, grooved and glabrous. Leaves are alternate, heart shaped pale yellow-green, long-stalked, cordate, yellow-green with prominent ribs.

Flower & Fruit

The plant has dirty yellow flowers, usually in axillary groups of 7. Each flower is up to 1 inch in diameter and has a straight funnel-shaped tube with pointed, curved upper lips. The perigone forms a straight tube, which is bulbous beneath and has a linguiform, oblong-ovate, obtuse border. There are 6 stamens, the style is upward growing, and the stigma is 6-lobed. The flower briefly traps the insects that pollinate it. It has foul smelling. Flowering normally takes place from Jul to September. The plant seeks light by ascending the stems of surrounding plants. Flowers are pollinated by certain tiny insects. Each pollinated flower is followed by green, pear-shaped fruit that has the size of a nut and opens up in six flaps containing flat, triangular seeds.

History

Birthwort is one of the old healing plants already in use by the ancient Egyptians and later by Hippocrates, Theophrastus, Dioscorides and Pliny. It was a component in theriac, which was used as a panacea against ulcers, fevers and snakebites. Ancient Egyptian name for the plant translates as ’anti-snake‘. The Latin name aristolochia is made up of áristos and lóchos – ’the best ‘and’ confinement, birth ‘respectively, or ’the best for birth‘. It refers to the use of the plant in aiding childbirth. Hildegard von Bingen taught that Aristolochia opens the closed female inner organs and dissolves hardened menstrual blood. Lonicerus wrote in his 1564 herb book: ’Birthwort powdered and mixed with so much myrrh and used with warm wine purifies the uterus and prevents stillbirth. Every woman in childbirth should drink this herb and root.’ It was also used for chronic ulcers and suppurations. Paracelsus recommended it for cancer, apparently treating ‘like with like’, since in 1981 the phyto therapeutic use of birthwort or aristolochic acid was forbidden due to possible carcinogenic effects. The species name clematitis derives from the Greek ’klema‘for tendril, the growth form of this species of aristolochia. The English name ‘birthwort ‘likewise refers to the plant’s use as an aid in childbirth.

Traditional uses and benefits of European Birthwort

It is an aromatic tonic herb that stimulates the uterus, reduces infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, controls bacterial infections and promotes healing.
Juice from the stems was used to induce childbirth.
Plant consists of aristolochic acid which, whilst stimulating white blood cell activity and speeding the healing of wounds, is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys.
Flowering herb, with or without the root, is abortifacient, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emenagogue, febrifuge, oxytocic and stimulant.
Externally it is used in the treatment of slow-healing cuts, eczema, infected toe and finger nails etc.
Native Americans used it to treat snake bites, treat stomach aches, toothaches, and fevers.
Aztec used it to treat abscesses, dysentery, and deafness.
European birthwort was accepted for its ability to treat pain, and edema, and illnesses affecting the lungs in Chinese Medicines.
It’s also been used to abscesses, stomachaches, joint pain, and malaria.
Around the world, birthwort has been used to induce labor, prevent infection, treat wounds, and scorpion stings.
It is an aromatic tonic herb that stimulates the uterus, reduces infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, controls bacterial infections and promotes healing.
It has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
It can also be used in the treatment of acute and serious infections such as TB, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and infantile pneumonia.
It encourages white blood cell activity and is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys.
Decoctions were used to heal ulcers as well as asthma and bronchitis.
It was used for treating scorpion stings in Sudan.
It is used as a contraceptive in India.
Recently, it was found to be a contaminant of a weight loss preparation.

Other Facts

Pliny says that eating the plant with beef immediately after conception will lead to a male child.
South American variety of Aristolochia is said to have been used in the same way as tobacco in areas where tobacco did not grow.
It is often cultivated in gardens as an ornamental.

Precautions

Root and stem are considered poisonous.
According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys.
Use with caution, internal consumption can cause damage to the kidneys and uterine bleeding.
It should not be used by pregnant and breast feeding women.
It is best to consult with a health care practioner before consuming the herb.
Intake of acutely toxic doses leads to vomiting, gastroenteritis, spasms, severe kidney damage and eventually to death by kidney failure.
Chronic intake of low dosages among both humans and laboratory animals led to the development of tumors.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story

Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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