Witnessed by: Western
Beth root (Trillium erectum), of the Melanthiaceae family. Woodland perennial bearing a whorl of three broad leaves and a single dark red three-petalled flower over a short rhizome; native range: rich moist woodlands of eastern North America. Globally recognized as birthroot · red trillium · wake-robin in English. The part used is rhizome and root. Astringent and acrid with an unpleasant, faintly foetid taste.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BETH ROOT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- beth root
- Scientific name
- Trillium erectum L.
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome and root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- astringent · acrid · bitter
Temperature
- Western
- cool, drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- uterus · mucous membranes · lungs
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- astringent, uterine tonic, haemostatic, expectorant, alterative
Cautions
- Contraindications
- pregnancy except at the very time of birth under supervision
- Toxicity
- low at customary doses; large amounts may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting
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