Herbs - Beth Root - Ailments / Situations Where Used

This plant has long been used by many native tribes as an aid to easy childbirth and to stop post-partum haemmorhage. Beth root's strong astringent properties make the plant very useful in diarrhea, dysentery, and gastro-intestinal bleeding. It is used quite favourably in bleeding of the lungs, kidneys, bladder, and in uterine fibroids. A vaginal injection or douche, using the decoction, is given for leuccorhea or profuse menstruation. Beth root makes an ideal uterine astringent for excessive blood loss during or between periods and helps in blood loss during menopause.

Steroidal saponins found in the plant, notably diosgenin, has a close relationship to human sex hormones, cortisone, vitamin D, and cardiac glycosides. Saponins have a normalizing effect on the sex hormones and beth root has been known to strengthen the female constitution. Beth root contains mild expectorating properties that help in clearing the bronchioles by removing excess mucous. This plant is used externally on ulcers, cuts, and wounds. It makes a good antiseptic poultice.