Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a wildflower that commonly grows in the woodlands of North America. Bloodroot's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties have made it a common herbal remedy for many different kinds of ailments. The wildflower was often used by Native Americans to treat fever, rheumatism, ulcers, ringworm and skin infections. Today, bloodroot is still used for curing or easing the symptoms of a wide range of conditions.
Treating Gingivitis
Bloodroot contains the compound sanguinarine, which has the ability to kill bacteria, block enzymes that destroy gum tissue collagen, and stop bacteria from processing carbohydrates into harmful acid that can eat away at gum tissues. It is also used as an ingredient in some mouthwashes and toothpastes as an anti-plaque agent. Due to its protective effects for gum tissues in the mouth, bloodroot is used as a treatment for gingivitis, or periodontal disease, explains the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS).
Easing Coughs
Bloodroot has been traditionally used to treat coughs and sore throats. Although rarely used alone to treat coughs, taking 10 drops or less three times daily of the bloodroot tincture can relieve coughs. Bloodroot has been used to treat respiratory conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Treating Halitosis
Mouthwashes and toothpastes containing bloodroot can also treat halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Because sanguinarine acts to stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath and a wide range of other dental problems, regular use of bloodroot can help to keep halitosis at bay. The Herb Growing & Marketing Network points out that some studies have found that bloodroot is more effective in reducing dental plaque than chlorhexidine, a common active ingredient in mouthwashes.
Curing Skin Problems
Bloodroot has been commonly used to treat a wide range of skin problems, including sores, warts, eczema and skin cancers. It is used to treat ringworm and certain skin infections, and current medical studies are examining bloodroot's use to treat skin cancer and dissolving certain skin growths like warts, according to North Carolina State University. Making a paste from bloodroot can be applied to remove warts, and a topical treatment made from bloodroot extract may treat nose and ear carcinomas.
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