Blood Root
Common Name
Standardized: bloodroot
Other: red puccoon, red-root
Botanical Name
Sanguinaria canadensis L.
Plant Family: Papaveraceae
Overview
Limited supply and at risk (use consciously)
Bloodroot is a low-growing woodland herb that grows in the north central United States and the prairie provinces in Canada. The red juice pressed from the fresh root is poisonous when taken internally.
Parts Used
Root
Typical Preparations
Powder or paste from ground dried root. Can also be administered in extract form.
---Medicinal Action and
Uses---
Astringent, antispasmodic, anti-syphilitic expectorant and sedative, used in
asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping-cough, consumption, and dysentery; also as
a mouth-wash and gargle, and as an injection in gonorrhoea, gleet and
leucorrhoea.
---Dosages---Of the decoction, 1/2 OZ. Fluid extract, 1 to 30 drops.
Health Benefits of Blood Root
- May Help in Cancer Prevention
- Immune System
- Respiratory Health
- Heart Health
- Topical Applications
- Migraine Pain
- Arthritis Relief
Precautions
Specific: A potential skin irritant. Not to be applied to broken
skin. Not to be used during pregnancy. Large doses of bloodroot may cause
irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, and vomiting.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare
practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant,
nursing, or on any medications.