Latin name: Aristolochia trilobata L., Aristolochia spp.
Other names: Flor de Pato, Duck Vine, Duck Flower Plant, Dutchman’s pipe, Pelican flower
Location: Native to central and eastern North America
A plant of the birthwort family, the duck flower is one of the world’s largest flowers. It was originally known as the Dutchman’s Pipe from Belize.
The Duck is grown on a flowery deciduous vine and is known to have a strong, foul odor. The flowers are usually yellowish brown or purple-ish in color with white lines. It is shaped as a duck, as the name suggests, with an enlarged and circular shape at the bottom that extends into thin, soft, and delicate structure. It’s a singular flower and is very rare. Interestingly, the shape and smell of the Duck Flower helps it to attract and trap flies for short periods of time. This is how it pollinates.
Aside from being a very effective detox (link articles here), the Dutchman’s pipe is a fast growing vine that is often planted as a screen on porches.
What is the Chemical Composition of the Duck Flower?
The duck flower contains: aristolochic acids, aristo lactams, aporphines, protoberberines, isoquinolines, amides, flavonoids, lignans, biphenyl ethers, coumarins, tetralones, teroids, among others.
These have a particular effect on the body (Side effects of the duck flower) that can be beneficial if you want a detox of mucus and toxins. Aristolochic acid, which the American FDA has reported to be a known carcinogen. So, users must seek a doctor’s advice or medical help before consumption.
Historically, the plant has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent and for the treatment of snakebites. Duck flower is used medicinally to increase sexual desire; it is used for intestinal pain, gallbladder pain, arthritis, gout, achy joints, rheumatism, eczema, weight loss, and wounds. Recently, it was found to be a contaminant of a weight loss preparation (Vanherweghem, 1998).
Please do not use the Duck Flower if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can interact with other medications as well so always consult with a physician before use. Because of the strength of the toxic ingredients, the Duck Flower detox should only be done once a year. One dried flower is usually enough for the detox. Learn how to do a full Duck Flower detox here.
What Impact Does Duck Flower Have On the Body?
When used as a detox, here is what you can expect.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Decreased bloating and a lot more