(bĭrth'wŏrt‵)

[From a European species, Aristolochia clematitis, used in folk medicine as an aid in childbirth]

Any of several herbs of the genus Aristolochia that, when consumed, causes serious kidney injury often culminating in end-stage kidney disease or cancer of the urinary tract. Other names for this toxic herb include fang ji and mu tong.

SEE: Aristolochia; Dutchman's pipe.