Bloodroot

(Western Herb)

Sanguinaria Canadensis

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Bloodroot has very thick and strong roots that, when cut, reveal a blood-red color, hence the name.

This root is potentially toxic and can cause severe side effects if ingested in excess.

For this reason, herbalists prescribe this perennial plant primarily as an external remedy. It is rarely recommended to be taken internally.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

* help to treat colitis

* reduced diarrhea

* soothes an irritated throat

* reduces inflammation in the lining of the mouth

* helps to heal wounds and cuts

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* gingivitis

* congestion of the lungs, bronchitis, and asthma

* headaches and head colds

Use externally for:

* fungus and athlete’s foot

* venereal blisters

* rashes, eczema, ringworm, and worts

PREPARATIONS:

Over the counter: This herb is available in health food stores as tincture and dried root. It is also an ingredient in several commercial dental products.

At home:

Tea: Put 1 oz. of the root in one cup of boiling water for 12-20 minutes. Drink this tea three times a day.

Decoction: Put ½ tsp. Of the rhizome in a cup of cold water, bring to a boil and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink this three times a day.

Tincture: Take 2 to 4 drops twice daily after eating.

Parts used: Dried rhizome

Collection: The rhizome of the bloodroot is unearthed in late spring to early summer or Fall when all the leaves have dried. The rhizome should be dried very carefully in the shade.

Constituents: Alkaloids including sanguinarine, chelerythrine, protopine and homochelidine; red resin, citric acid, and malic acid.

Actions: Expectorant, anti-spasmodic, emetic, antiseptic, cardio-active, topical irritant

Combinations: can be combined with Lobelia for bronchitis asthma. Combine it with Red Sage and a pinch of Cayenne to treat irritation of the throat. It can also be combined with Horehound and Elecampane to relieve congestion.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Serious:

High doses can cause burning in the stomach, vomiting, nausea, slowing of the heart rate, impaired vision, intense thirst, and dizziness. If any these symptoms develop, stop using immediately.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Warning:

* Bloodroot is a potentially toxic herb and should only be used under the supervision of a herbalist or licensed healthcare professional.

* Avoid using internally during pregnancy.

* This herb has a long folk history of being used in the treatment of cancer. It contains a constituent that is thought to impede the formation of tumors.