Trilliums The May flower

As May rolls around thoughts of my mother seep through. She has been gone years now but I can still see her on Mother's day as I handed her a grouping of may flowers. I was first turned onto free flowers when I was eight and the boy across the street "David Hawke" was selling them to kids.I miss him another young man taken down by drugs at the age of 21 as a child he was my best friend. Fond memories.

May flowers AKA: Birth Root, Beth Root, Trillium

 

Beth root - Trillium spp. (in the Liliaceae or Lily family)

Parts used: Bulb/rhizome

Taste/smell: Earthy smell and taste, slightly acrid.

Tendencies: Cooling, drying.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon of the newly dried herb or 2 teaspoons of the fresh root per cup water 3-4 times per day; or 1:1 fresh plant liquid extract: 10-60 drops as necessary every 15 minutes, using up to but not exceeding a total of 360 drops or two teaspoons in a 24 hour period.

Mental picture and specifics: This is an herb for cramping pelvic pains that feel like the hips and back are falling to pieces. The pains are better with pressure around the pelvis. It is indicated for tenacious mucus discharge or uterine hemorrhage with great faintness and dizziness. All conditions are associated with poor pelvic tone.

Use: (a) Alterative, (b) Astringent, (c) Genito-urinary tract tonic, (d) Expectorant.

Beth root is used for conditions due to atonic pelvic organs such as uterine prolapse and menorrhagia due to atony. It is also useful in passive hemorrhage from fibroids and wasting disorders, especially disorders of the lungs and reproductive tract.

Beth root is used prior to labor to facilitate contractions and ensure an easier delivery. It will also decrease the occurrence and severity of post-partum hemorrhage. The whole plant was poulticed by the Native Americans and used externally for treatment of ulcers, tumors and generalized inflammatory skin conditions. This plant is becoming endangered and is protected in some states. Use it sparingly.

Contraindications: It is contraindicated in pregnancy, except as mentioned above prior to labor.

 by Sharol Tilgner


Homemade Trillium cough medicine

1/4 cup dried beth root
1 cup honey

place both in a slow cooking crockette and simmer on warm for 12 hours, remove and drain into a glass bottle, give one tsp every few hours as needed for cough. (by Karlyn Rayne)

Part Used - Rhizome Rootstock

Herb Forms Bulk herb for tea, tincture. Affects Blood, Endocrine system, Urinary system Cautions Avoid during pregnancy. The rhizome is acrid and can cause irritation of the throat, stomach, and intestines in sensitive individuals, or when used excessively.

Beth root is reported to have antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, local irritant, and tonic properties, probably because of its tannic acid content. The plant is also reported to act as a uterine stimulant, which may be attributed to the diosgenin component. Some components of other Trillium species have antifungal properties .

All the seventeen species of the genus are North American plants, distinguished by their possession of three green, persistent sepals and three larger withering petals, of varying color. Trillium erectum or T. pendulum, perennial, smooth herb, has an erect stem of from 10 to 15 inches in height, bearing three leaves, broad, almost rhomboid, and drooping white flowers, terminal and solitary. Grows in the rich soil of damp and shady woodlands, flowering in May and June.

USES
MEDICINAL:
Sweet-sour, astringent, warming, expectorant, diaphoretic, alterative, pectoral, controls bleeding (nose, mouth, stomach, bowels, and bladder); of benefit to the female reproductive system (uterine tonic).
Was used internally for uterine hemorrhage, blood in the urine (combined with Bidens tripartita), and for blood from the lungs. Was used for excessive blood loss during and between menses (combined with Cranesbill or Periwinkle) and blood loss associated with menopause.
A tea of equal parts of Bugleweed(Lycopus virginicus) and birthroot was once used for diabetes
Was used externally for vaginal discharge (douche), ulcers (combined with Ulnus rubra and/or Lobelia inflata) varicose ulcers, skin problems, insect bites and stings. Also used in ointment form for ulcers and wounds.
Native Americans preferred the white flowered variety and used it for treating sore nipples, controlling post partum hemorrhage, vaginal discharge and excessive menstruation (was often combined with Vinca major or Geramium maculatum). Was also used to promote the onset of labor in an overdue pregnancy.
Was once used as a poultice for skin diseases; a handful of leaves was boiled in lard and applied to ulcers and tumors.
Maude Grieve (A Modern Herbal) accounts T. erectum and related species useful in fevers and chronic affections of the air passages due to action of checking secretions of the mucous membranes.
T. pendulum, specifically, was used during the last month of pregnancy in place of raspberry leaf to strengthen and vitalize the uterus and pelvic area. Acts as a mild diuretic and astringent (used to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding). Also used by Native Americans to prevent miscarriage and ease childbirth.
J. Kloss in Back to Eden recommended it for coughs, bronchial problems, pulmonary consumption, hemorrhage from lungs, excessive menstruation, leucorrhea, prolapsed uterus, diarrhea (boiled in milk) and dysentary.
Was often used as part of a compound formula in solution for enemas and douches; was combined with equal part Cranesbill and made into an infusion or decoction (wine glass full dose taken 4 to 5 times daily) for prolapsed uterus and leucorrhea.
Poultice of the root was used for insect stings.
The Potawatomi of North America used an infusion of the root of T. grandiflorum for sore nipples.
The Menominees grated the root for a poultice to use on swollen eyes; also grated, steeped and drunk as a tea for cramps and irregular menses. DOSE:

The official description of the rhizome is 'oblique, globular, oblong or obconical, truncate below., terminated by a small bud surrounded by a sheath of scarious leaf bases annulated by leaf scars and fissured by stem scars. It is from 0.6 to 5 cm. in length, and from 0.6 to 3.5 cm. in width, more or less compressed laterally, rootlet scars in several concentrie rows on the underside in the upper portions. Externally yellowish to reddish brown; internally of a pale yellow; fracture somewhat uneven with a more or less spongy appearance. Odor distinct; taste bitter and acrid, with a sensation of warmth in the throat, and when chewed causing an increased flow of saliva. Trillium yields not more than 5 per cent. of ash.'
The drug is one of those prepared by the Shakers.
---Constituents---There have been found in it volatile and fixed oils, tannic acid, saponin, a glucoside resembling convallamarin, an acid crystalline principle colored brown tinged with purple by sulphuric acid, and light green with sulphuric acid and potassium dichromate, gum, resin, and much starch.
The fluid extract is an ingredient in Compound Elixir of Viburnum Opulus.
Professor E. S. Wayne isolated the active principle, calling it Trilline, but the preparation sold under that name has no medicinal value, while the Trilline of Professor Wayne has not been used.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Is said to have been in use among the aborigines and early settlers of North America. It is antiseptic, astringent and tonic expectorant, being used principally in haemorrhages, to promote parturition, and externally, usually in the form of a poultice, as a local irritant in skin diseases, or to restrain gangrene.
The leaves, boiled in lard, are sometimes applied to ulcers and tumours.
The roots may be boiled in milk, when they are helpful in diarrhea and dysentery.
---Dosages---Of powdered root, a drachm three times a day. Of fluid extract, 30 minims, as astringent and tonic expectorant. Trilline, 2 to 4 grains.
---Other Species---Most of the genus Trillium have medicinal properties, especially T. erythrocarpum, T. grandiflorum, T. sessile, and T. nivale.
The acrid species are useful in fevers and chronic affections of the air-passages. Merely smelling the freshly-exposed surface of the red Beth roots will check bleeding from the nose.

Reported Uses
Trillium Complex is used in Australia to treat menorrhagia. The dried rhizome is used by some herbalists as a uterine stimulant. Beth root is a popular cure for bleeding, skin irritations, and snakebite. It has been used as an ant diarrheal, an astringent to reduce topical irritation, and a tonic expectorant.

Beth root is used for vaginal infections, cramping, menorrhagia, and diarrhea. It is said to facilitate childbirth and regulate the menses. The astringent properties of beth root have made it useful for bleeding from the stomach or lungs and for excessive menstruation. Externally it is useful for wounds, sores, and varicose veins and as a douche for leucorrhea. Beth Root has a taste of PUNGENT, BITTER and a temperature of WARM.

Treating Facilitating Labor with Beth Root
Treating Leucorrhea with Beth Root
Beth Root Proper Dose
Type Dossage
Beth Root Decoction 1/4-1/2 cup 2-3 x daily
Beth Root Tincture 1 dropperful 2-3 x daily

Beth Root for a Healthy Birth
Beth root, also known as birthroot, has been used by Native American for many years. It’s actually been used historically for many health issues. But its main use has been for women’s health.

Previous uses of Beth root include using poultices for ulcers, tumors, and other skin disorders. It was also used to treat problems with the digestive system such as diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, Beth root was used to treat problems with nosebleeds and other hemorrhages.

Beth root was also used to treat breathing problems resulting from chronic respiratory infections. It was also applied to snakebites and insect bites to help treat the skin. Gangrene was also once treated by Beth root because it was thought to bring blood to the surface and restore circulation.

Beth root is known to help control bleeding. As a result, it’s been used to induce childbirth and to help move labor along. It’s also been used to treat menstrual problems such as irregular and heavy bleeding.

Modern research has found that Beth root actually mimics hormones in the body. That is probably why it works to induce labor and regulate menstrual cycles. In fact, while Beth root isn’t used for quite as many ailments as it once was, it is used still for childbirth and other female problems.

If you’re suffering from an irregular menstrual cycle or excessive bleeding as a result of a fibroid tumor, Beth root may be the herb that will help you the most. You may find that you have fewer problems with irregular hormonal problems and bleeding by adding this to your routine.

Beth root is usually taken as an infusion or a powder. The infusion can be taken once a day. The powder can be taken in a capsule form or sprinkled over food. Another herb, cohosh, is also used to induce labor. However, many people believe that Beth root is a safer alternative.
Commentary
Beth root has been used as a folk remedy to promote parturition and control postpartum bleeding as well as to treat skin irritation, snakebites, and many other problems, but there is little clinical or scientific evidence to support these claims. The chemistry and dosage range of beth root have been poorly documented. Controlled animal and human studies are needed before beth root or its constituents can be considered medically useful.

Dosage
Various dosages have been used, including 1 tbsp of powder in 1 pt of boiling water taken "freely in wineglassful doses;' 1 dram of powdered root P.O. , or 30 minims of liquid extract as an astringent or a tonic expectorant. t.i.d.
TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
EQUIVALENT = 1 drachm of powdered root, 3 times daily, OR, 30 grains, OR, 0.5 to 2 grams
INFUSION = 1 tbsp dry, powdered root to 2 cups of boiling water, steeped 15 minutes; 1/2 cup taken 3 times daily.
DECOCTION = 1 tsp powdered root to 1 cup water (or milk for diarrhea) taken hot or cold before bed
FLUID EXTRACT = 30 minims
TINCTURE = 1/4 tsp daily in 1 cup water
COUGHS = 10 to 20 grains of powdered root in a little water 3 times daily
ANTISEPTIC POULTICE = Equal parts Bethroot and Slippery Elm combined; poultice applied to open wounds. Effect can be boosted with a pinch of powdered Lobelia seed in the mixture.
HOMEOPATHIC:
Used for bloody cough, catarrh of the bladder, climacteric, diabetes, bleeding fibroma, dribbling of urine after labor, hemorrhage associated with childbirth (threatened abortion), menorrhagia, metrohagia, writers cramp.
OTHER:
An infusion of the root was taken by the Menominees to cleanse any supposed defilement caused by engaging in sexual intercourse during menses.

Adverse Reactions
CV: potential cardiotoxicity (convallamarin -like glycoside).
GI: GI irritation, vomiting (oxalates and saponins).
Interactions
Anti arrhythmic (such as digitalis): May increase or antagonize effects of some anti arrhythmic. Avoid administration with Beth root.
Contraindications And Precautions
Avoid using beth root in pregnant patients because of reported uterine stimulant properties.

Special considerations
Monitor for GI irritation and nausea. Treat symptomatically if these effects occur and consider discontinuation of beth root.
Caution the patient taking drugs for a cardiac condition to avoid use of beth root because of its potential to influence cardiac function.
Advise women to avoid using beth root during pregnancy.
Magic Herb Root
SOUTHERN JOHN ROOT (DIXIE JOHN, BETH ROOT)
In Hoodoo Folk Magic, Spell-Craft, and Occultism
DIXIE JOHN ROOT (Southern John) is also called TRILLIUM or BETH ROOT. It is used for luck, love, sex, and family. Carry a whole root for Luck. To draw Love, make a tea from it and drink it nightly while burning Love Me Incense with the root “hairs.” For Marriage, carry Southern John in a red bag with Violet leaves, Lodestone, and Magnetic Sand, dressed with Hoyt’s Cologne and Stay With Me Oil. For Good Sex, tie DIXIE John in a muslin bag and launder it with your bed-clothes. To Break Up an Affair troubling your marriage, mix the root with the Hair or Clothes of you and your spouse, burn them to ashes, and use the ashes to mark the corners and center of your bedroom and bed, praying the 91st Psalm for the intruder to go away. We make no claims for DIXIE or Southern JohN, and sell it as a Curio only.

Beth Root Trillium erectum
Ruled by Saturn, who is ever mindful of limits, this magick herb is concerned with borders. It is used in witchcraft to protect one's borders by turning back negative magick or to strengthen and protect the family. The fresh root was also cooked and eaten as an aphrodisiac by Native people, so it clearly has a strong Venus aspect and is important in love magick. A perennial of the woods, Beth root is also known as Birth root because Native Americans used it to aid in birth. It acts on the female reproductive system and contains a precursor of female sex hormones; in the past, it was used to stop excessive uterine bleeding. This herb is also known as Lamb's Quarters, Wake-Robin, Indian Balm, Indian Shamrock, and Ground Lil

CAUTION!! Must be used DRY. Fresh root and leaves possibly toxic CONTAINS: Yields no more than 5% ash, also volatile and fixed oils, tannic acid, steroidal saponins (diosgenin - related to human sex hormones and cortisone), a glucoside (similar to convallamarin), steroidal glycosides, gum, resin, starch. Rootstock of T. erectum exhibits hormone-like activity.

 

Flowers bloom from April to June. Gather the young edible leaves before flowers appear and the roots in spring and summer. Dry root for later herb use.

Properties: Trillium is edible and medicinal, it has a long history of use by Native Americans. The young edible unfolding leaves are an excellent addition to salad tasting somewhat like sunflower seeds. The leaves can also be cooked as a pot herb. The root is used as an alternative medicine and is antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), and ophthalmic. The roots, fresh or dry, may be boiled in milk and used for diarrhea and dysentery. The raw root is grated and applied as a poultice to the eye in order to reduce swelling, or on aching rheumatic joints. The leaves were boiled in lard and applied to ulcers as a poultice, and to prevent gangrene. An infusion of the root is used in the treatment of cramps and a common name for the plant, ‘birthroot', originated from its use to promote menstruation. A decoction of the root bark can be used as drops in treating earache. Constituents found in the volatile and fixed oils are, tannic acid, saponin, a glucoside resembling convallamarin, sulphuric acid and potassium dichromate, gum, resin, and starch.

Folklore: Used to facilitate childbirth, and to treat other female problems by the women of many Native American tribes. Trillium root was considered to be a sacred female herb and they only spoke of it to their medicine women.

TRY THESE RECIPES

Medicinal drink: Add 1 tsp. herb decoction to 1 cup warm milk, take at bedtime for diarrhea.

Pot herb: Gather young unfolding leaves boil or fry and season to taste.


Birthroot is a popular folk remedy for bleeding, snakebites, and skin irritations. Teas made from the plant had been used traditionally to stop bleeding following childbirth, hence the name birth root. The Indians applied topical preparations to relieve insect bites and skin irritations. The leaves have been used as a potherb or salad green.

A very old cough syrup
Take of poplar bark (balm of Gilead) and bethroot(Trillium erectum), each 1 lb; water, 9 quarts; boil gently in a covered vessel 15 or 20 minutes; strain through a coarse cloth; add 7 lbs. loaf sugar*, and simmer till the scum ceases to rise (you can replace sugar with honey


 TAKEN BY MOUTH for

• Heavy menstruation and cramps.
• Swelling.
• Breaking up chest congestion.
• Other conditions.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN for

• Varicose veins.
• Ulcers.
• Bruises.
• Bleeding hemorrhoids.
• Other conditions.