Bloodroot as an Herb

(Sanguinaria canadensis)

The name bloodroot is derived from the similarity to blood of the red-orange sap oozing from the root of this herb.

Bloodroot was a common Native American remedy for rheumatism. Internally it was used for sore throat, and to expel mucous from the respiratory system; the orange juice of the plant was dripped onto lumps of maple sugar and taken for coughs and colds.

Koflet is an all-natural formula that helps soothe bronchial mucous membranes and sore throats. It also supports the body's normal immune function against common allergens.

Externally bloodroot was used as a poultice to treat skin problems and eruptions, skin ulcers, eczema, and slow-healing wounds.

The Potawatomis also made an infusion of the root for diptheria; the Penobscot strung pieces of the root together and wore around the neck to prevent bleeding; the Chippewa mixed it with Blue Cohosh in decoction form and took it for stomach cramps; the Seneca made a wash of the root with a small amount of wood ashes added and used it to wash the uterus during childbirth; for earache the Mohawk made an infusion of the dried root and placed a few drops in the ear.

Bloodroot is an important commercial source of sanguinarine which is a dental plaque inhibitor and added to some toothpaste brands and mouthwash.

The root has long been used by the American Indians as a dye for their bodies and clothes and has been used successfully by American and French dyers.

Folklore

In some tribes single men rubbed the juice of the bloodroot on their hands, then would find a way to shake hands with the girl of their desire; after 5 or 6 days of this behavior, it was believed the girl would be ready to marry the man. The Chippewa used it as a charm.

An intriguing practice was reported by John Smith in 1612 concerning Native Americans. A male guest would be given a bed, then a native woman, painted with bloodroot and oil would be sent to him as a bedfellow. In 1729, Byrd's survey party also encountered this custom. He stated that the ruffles of the men's shirts were often tinged with red in the morning, much to the annoyance of the accompanying chaplain.

An old recipe of a Mrs. Razor for dying quills scarlet:

"2 handfuls bloodroot, 1 handful inner bark of wild plum, 1 handful red osier dogwood bark, 1 handful alder bark; all were boiled together with 1 quart of water before adding the quills. Also: to produce dark red = 1 handful bloodroot and 1 handful inner bark of wild plum in 1 quart water, boiled together. Also: to produce dark yellow = 2 handfuls shredded bloodroot, 1 handful shredded root of wild plum, boiled together in 1 quart of water"

Cautions

In toxic doses, bloodroot causes burning in the stomach, intense thirst, vomiting, faintness vertigo, intense prostration with dimness of eyesight.

Important Note

Bloodroot is now considered a poisonous plant, and should only be used externally. It should not be placed undiluted on the skin.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.