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Bloodroot
Bloodroot is indigenous to North America, growing in the East from Canada to the Carolinas and sometimes as far south as Florida. The species name is Sanguinaria Canadensis. When the root is cut, it appears to bleed.
Native Americans used this red exudation as a dye for decorating the body as well as textiles, and thus it is sometimes known as "red puccoon" or "Indian paint." The history of bloodroot is as colorful as the dye made from it.
Bloodroot flowers very early in the spring, March or April. The beautiful flowers are usually white with seven to fourteen petals, sometimes tinged with rose or purple, closing at night or in shade. The root is used most often for medicinal purposes. The roots are small, finger thickness, and only 2-3 inches in length.
Medicinal uses of bloodroot were learned from Native Americans in the Lake Superior region (Ojibwa?), with the roots prepared into a paste, and other uses such as washes or tinctures. Bloodroot is traditionally used either singly or in combination with other herbs. Indians also pulverized the roots for a wide variety of healing uses.
The use of bloodroot is considered highly effective against many skin conditions, including ringworm, warts, fungoid tumors, and venereal infections. For localized external conditions such as: athlete's foot, eczema, rashes, and fungal infections, washes may be preferred to the salve.
Some dental preparations have also used bloodroot for assisting gingivitis and plaque, with this herb found as an ingredient in some brands of toothpaste!
Research has established that bloodroot has a remarkable ability to remove mucus. However, it should never be used in large doses or for a prolonged period. Perhaps its nasty taste is Nature's way of warning against overuse internally!
Bloodroot is both bitter and pungent. Initially, bloodroot warms and stimulates, but it also contains cooling properties that may counteract the warming effects.
The primary alkaloid in bloodroot is sanguinarine. In experiments on mice, sanguinarine had a necrotizing effect on both carcinomas and sarcomas.
Externally, bloodroot is prized for its ability to clear up infections and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue. So far as can be determined, bloodroot has been the most common herb used in escharotic treatments.
Historically bloodroot has been combined with other herbs for the most efficacious use. Many tribes also added additional herbs to assist the healing process. Most Native Tribes found the use of this herb to be an additional blessing in their indigenous ways. Among them, The Zuni of New Mexico have a wonderful story about the a'neglakya plant, named for a boy who lived in the interior of the earth. The Ojibwa and Cherokee also used this herb. Bloodroot should always be used with caution as well as supervision.
Product contains fresh Bloodroot in a 40% alcohol base.
Bloodroot is for ADULT USE ONLY! Orders contain literature and directions for use.
This tincture is recommended on the Supporting a Healthy Immune System reference page, and in your Supporting a Healthy Immune System information booklet. (pdf format)
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