Bloodroot, also known botanically as Sanguinaria canadensis, is a member of the Papaveraceae family. The entire fresh or dry root is used in folk medicine to treat the removal of skin warts and moles, due to its escharotic or caustic properties, explains the book "Making Plant Medicine" by herbalist Richo Cech. The removal of moles is not always necessary, but according to the Mayo Clinic they can sometimes become cancerous, in which case the use of bloodroot would be effective in their removal. Always consult your dermatologist before using herbal cures to remove skin moles or treat any other type of skin irregularities.
Step 1
Use a grinder to grind 1 cup of dry bloodroot rhizome.
Step 2
Wear a filter mask around your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling the acrid dust emitted by bloodroot, which can severely irritate your upper respiratory tract.
Step 3
Mix your ground blood root with a sticky carrier, such as zinc oxide or lanolin in a small glass mixing bowl. Make sure the mixing bowl is completely dry if you are using zinc oxide, since according to United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, zinc oxide can decompose when in prolonged contact with water because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. The oily substance lanolin comes from sheep's wool and according to the U. S. National Library of Medicine, it can be poisonous if ingested.
Step 4
Transfer your mixture to a small glass jar when you have achieved a thick paste and keep closed with a tight lid until you are ready to use it. Make sure to label your jar so you do not confuse it with other skin creams or salves.
Step 5
Place a small amount of bloodroot paste on your skin mole using a spoon, making sure to cover only the mole, as it may irritate any skin area it comes in contact with.
Step 6
Cover the mole with a bandage in order to avoid spreading the bloodroot paste to other areas of your body.
Step 7
Repeat the application twice a day until two days after the mole has disappeared. This can take up to 3 weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash your hands thoroughly after each application in order to avoid rubbing the bloodroot paste on other areas of the skin.
- Discontinue the use of your bloodroot paste if you experience adverse effects or an abnormal skin irritation in the area being treated.
Things You'll Need
- Dry bloodroot
- Grinder
- Zinc oxide or lanolin
- Small mixing bowl
- Small glass jar with lid
- Spoon
- Bandage
References
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- Mayo Clinic: Moles
- United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Zinc Oxide
- U. S. National Library of Medicine: Lanolin poisoning
