Botanically known as Sanguinaria canadensis, bloodroot is a perennial and herbaceous medicinal plant that grows mainly in the Appalachian mountains of the United States. Its name derives from a red sap found in high concentrations within its roots, which contains alkaloids such as isoquinoline and sanguinarine that help in the removal and treatment of skin warts, tumors and other skin conditions such as eczema, according to the Virginia Tech Non-Timber Forest Products division. Bloodroot's red sap can be toxic in high doses and you should always consult your primary health practitioner before taking herbal remedies.
Remedy for the Respiratory System
Bloodroot has strong expectorant qualities, which means it promotes the passage of phlegm through the bronchial tract. This makes it useful in treating respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal." It also has anti-spasmodic properties, which reduces tension and spasm in the bronchial tubes, according to Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." This makes bloodroot beneficial in treating catarrh and severe coughs.
Hoffman recommends making a respiratory remedy with bloodroot by boiling 1 tsp. of bloodroot rhizomes in a cup of filtered water for 10 minutes. If you don't have time to make a strong tea, commonly called a decoction, you can take bloodroot as a tincture remedy, which is the alcohol extraction of its alkaloids. Dilute 30 to 90 drops of bloodroot tincture in water and take three times per day for three days.
Remedy for the Gums and Mouth
According to the North Carolina State University, the alkaloid sanguinarine present in bloodroot has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that make it useful in treating gingivitis, which according to the Mayo Clinic is an inflammation of the gums. According to Virgina Tech, it also reduces the formation of plaque.
Make a gum and tooth remedy with bloodroot by adding a drop of bloodroot tincture to your toothpaste or buy ready made dental products that have bloodroot as one of their main ingredients.
Remedy for the Skin
Fresh blood root is used to treat warts and other skin conditions, according to botanists James Duke and Steven Foster in their book "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs."
Make a skin remedy by snapping a fresh bloodroot rhizome in half and applying the red juice directly onto the wart. You can also add the juice to salves and creams to treat larger areas of skin.
References
- Virginia Tech Non-Timber Forest Products: Bloodroot
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- North Carolina State University: Bloodroot
- Mayo Clinic: Gingivitis
Member Comments