Bloodroot gets its name from the red latex material that oozes from the stem when it is broken off. It's a poisonous part of the wildflower poppy family and grows wild in parts of North America, according to MedicinalHerbInfo.org. The site says that it's the rootstock of the plant that is harvested in early spring, then dried and ground into a powder for use. Before using bloodroot, or any other medicinal plant, consult with your health care provider for instructions.
Risk Factors in Moles
Moles are usually harmless and pose no risk. But in some cases skin cancer, especially the deadly malignant melanoma, can form in or around moles, according to MayoClinic.com. MayoClinic.com says that anyone over the age of 20 that notices a new mole should immediately have it evaluated by a doctor. Other warning signs for a mole that should be medically evaluated are pain, itching, oozing or bleeding, a sudden change in size, color or shape. But any mole that has you concerned should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Bloodroot and Moles
In the early 19th century, the root of the bloodroot plant began to be used to remove warts and moles, according to Drugs.com. The powder from the ground rootstock was added to other ingredients to make a salve that was applied directly to the mole. This practice is no longer recommended due to very unsightly scarring and the fact that sometimes, the entire cancerous area was not successfully removed. For this reason, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center advises against using bloodroot as a skin or mole treatment.
Research
The U.S. National Library of Medicine published cases where people have attempted to remove cancerous moles using treatments containing bloodroot. The results in these cases were less than promising, with incomplete tumor removals, disfiguring scarring and damage to the surrounding healthy skin. Again, this suggests that the best way to have a suspicious or cancerous mole removed is by surgical means, as recommended by MayoClinic.com.
Side Effects and Interactions
Although bloodroot is potentially toxic when taken orally, some people still use it this way. MSKCC sites dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, esophageal burning and burning of the gums as side effects when taken orally. The site also warns against taking bloodroot if you take blood thinners since it may result in excess bleeding. MedicinalHerbInfo.org warns that ingestion of bloodroot may even be fatal. Treatment to remove moles should not include ingestion of bloodroot.
Considerations
MSKCC warns that the use of any medicinal herb or plant can cause an allergic reaction on the skin when handled, even if it's been handled before with no reaction. Be aware of rashes, hives and signs of swelling of the face or throat from contact with any plant and if these occur, stay away from it and contact your health care provider.
