Trillium erectum, commonly known as Beth Root or Birthroot, is a flowering plant of the lily family that is indigenous to North America. The plant itself blooms in May and the root contains its primary active or medicinal agents (Williams, 1820). However, the leaves of the plant can be eaten. Medicinally, trillium has been used in native North American medicine primarily as an aid during childbirth, such as to induce labor or to minimize bleeding (Pistrang, n.d.). The name Bethroot is simply a bastardization of "birthroot," (Williams, 1820).
Nineteenth century medical science catalogued the herb judiciously, indicating its efficacy as an astringent and cathartic and used to stop hemorrhaging even unrelated to childbirth (Williams, 1820). Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, Williams (1820) also noted that Trillium causes fewer side effects than other astringent herbs, which can cause constipation. Moreover, Williams (1820) notes the use of Trillium for "arresting the progress of cutaneous eruptions," applying the herb in powder form topically (p. 332). Williams (1820) describes a case study in which the patient, "after using the powder a few days, the eruption disappeared, and the surface of the skin was left exceptionally smooth," (p. 332). The herb had therefore been prescribed for skin eruptions. However, it is for "expediting the birth of a child" that the herb was most known for in its pre-modern history (Williams, 1820, p. 332). Little progress has been made since the 19th century in terms of better understanding the herb's mechanism of action, its most efficacious and safe uses, and its optimal doses.
As Williams (1820) had suggested, the herb warranted further scientific research and has since been extensively studied for its medicinal properties. Unfortunately, research remains sparse and inconclusive. The herb's mechanisms of action are poorly known, and ideal doses for specific conditions are also not known. Ironically, given its traditional use as an aid for childbirth, Birthroot is not recommended for pregnant women. According to the American Herbal Products Association, the herb is listed as a Class 2b substance, meaning it is not to be used during pregnancy (American College of Healthcare Sciences, 2016). In addition to causing uterine contractions prematurely, the drug can have strong purgative effects if taken in large doses (American College of Healthcare Sciences, 2016). It is not recommended for lactating women either and is contraindicated in patients with known cardiac issues because of "potential cardiotoxicity," (American College of Healthcare Sciences, 2016, p. 7).
Trillium is also taken topically, as it was throughout its history. Topically, the herb can be used to quell bleeding and relieve skin irritations. According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences (2016), it can also be used topically for varicose veins, skin ulcers, hematomas, and hemorrhoids. However, Williams (1820) had noted the "caustic" properties of topical applications of Trillium, a report substantiated by modern scientific studies too (American College of Healthcare Sciences, 2016).
The herb is loosely grouped with other uterine stimulants, which can "tone and strengthen the female reproductive organs," leading to long-term improvements to reproductive health and fertility (American College of Healthcare Sciences, 2016, p. 87). It is also classified as an emmenagogue because the herb can stimulate menstruation. Trillium can also "tone and strengthen muscle tone, glandular tissue, and blood supply of the uterus," (American College of Healthcare Sciences, 2016, p. 86). However, the herb lacks the pharmacological data to substantiate most claims ("Bethroot, n.d.).
References
American College of Healthcare Sciences (2016). Module 5.
"Bethroot," (n.d.). Drugs.com. Retrieved online: https://www.drugs.com/npp/bethroot.html
Pistrang, M. (n.d.). Red trillium. USDA. Retrieved online: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/trillium_erectum.shtml
Williams, S.W. (1820). Botanical history and medicinal properties of theh Trillium erectum. N Engl J. Med Surg 1820; 9:330-332.
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