The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Bloodroot, (Sanguinaria canadensis), also known as Indian Paint and Indian Plant and is a small perennial plant about 6 inches high, found in shaded, rich soils in the northeastern United States. It exudes an orangish-red sap when picked that was used in ceremonies and also used as body paint by Native Americans. The finger-thick rootstock contains red juice when fresh; when dried it is yellow inside and brown outside. Typically, the rhizome and root of the Bloodroot plant have been historically used in tinctures and capsules for various purposes.
Bloodroot has been historically used as a diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, and tonic. Known chemical constituents in Bloodroot include isoquinoline and numerous alkaloids (sanguinarine, berberine, whelidonine, chelerythrine). Bloodroot salve has been used in numerous topical preparations for various conditions, such as sores, warts, eczema, and other skin problems. Bloodroot has also been blended into toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitive teeth, reducing plaque and tooth decay. Bloodroot been used internally in herbal preparations to support the symptoms of congestive lung conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis - Bloodroot helps to relax bronchial muscles.
