Bloodroot is a native American flower also known as Indian pain and Tetterwort. Various parts of the flower have long been used by Native American cultures to create insect repellents, sedatives and tonics. Today, some modern medications contain some form of bloodroot, according to Alt Nature. However, bloodroot in its natural form may also be toxic, so individuals interested in its healing properties should always use caution when handling or using the native herb. It is not advised to experiment with bloodroot as an alternative medicine due to its high toxicity.
Paint and Dye
In addition to its medicinal properties, bloodroot was commonly used by Native Americans to create face paint or a stain for clothing, weapons and hair. The color comes from the root tuber that, when sliced open, releases a reddish liquid. The liquid can stain the hands, clothing and furniture, so use protective gloves or covers when harvesting.
Emetic
Bloodroot can be extremely toxic due to one of its main components, sanguinarine, according to Discover Life. In Native American usage, individuals were often given a very small dose of bloodroot to induce vomiting. When brewed into a tea, it was used to treat various forms of arthritis. A very small amount of bloodroot combined with a person's spit was also used as a topical ointment for mild burns.
Lung Disorders
Some folk remedies utilized bloodroot to help to treat a variety of lung disorders such as asthma, croup and bronchitis, according to Discover Life. A component of bloodroot known as protopine is an alkaloid that acts as an analgesic.
Skin Conditions
A brew created by mixing bloodroot and water was often used as an external skin treatment for relief of skin conditions such as athlete's foot, fungus infections, and skin ulcers, according to Herbal How To Guide.
Dental Care
Before information regarding the dangers and toxicity of bloodroot were widely known, small doses of bloodroot were also used to treat dental issues, such as gingivitis. It was also used as an agent that prevented dental plaque, according to Herbal How to Guides. The sanguinarine components of the herb offered a binding action to the teeth that reduced or prevented plaque from building up and causing gum disease.
Cardiac Conditions
In the old days, bloodroot was used to help to treat heart conditions such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations and heart disease, though today the use of bloodroot for such conditions is not advised, according to Botanical.com. The bloodroot also was used to help to calm anxiety and nervousness in some, conditions that cause high blood pressure or a faster pulse rate in some individuals.
Member Comments