Bloodroot Sanguinaria Canadensis
A member of the Papaveraceae family
Habitat: Native to North America, it can be found from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Manitoba. It can grow in full sun but prefers semi-shaded, lightly wooded areas with moist, acidic soil.
Found: Woody property near the Big Woods state park in Nerstrand, Minnesota
Parts Used: Root, dried or fresh
Collection Time: Bloodroot is typically harvested in autumn, six or more years from seed. Some harvest in spring after flowering.
Preparations: Powder or paste from ground dried root or in extract form. Decoction: Place 1 tsp of the rhizome in a cup of cold water, bring to a boil and steep for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day. Tincture: Take 1-2 ml (1:5, 60% alcohol) three times per day. Apply externally as a salve.
Energetics: Bitter, acrid; drying and cooling in small amounts, warming and stimulating in larger amounts
Historical Uses: The root was often used by Native American Indians as a body paint and dye for clothing. It was also used historically by American and French cloth dyers as a red dye.
Use in Chinese Medicine: Bloodroot does not appear to have Chinese medicinal applications.
Flower Essence Usage: For those who exclude themselves, or feel ostracized, from a group or community, usually because of thoughts of unworthiness; helps to mend rejection and the feeling of unworthiness through strengthening self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-love.
Native American Usage: Native Americans used bloodroot for medicinal, spiritual, and practical purposes. A dye made from the red sap of the root was used as body paint for war dances and ceremonies, as well as to color fabric. It was used medicinally as a remedy for fevers, cancer, rheumatism, to induce vomiting, and as an oral antiseptic. Additionally, bachelors of the Ponca tribe would rub the root on their hand, shake hands with the woman they wished to marry and would supposedly find the woman willing to marry him in 5 to 6 days after the initial hand shaking.
Folk Uses: Used by old-time conjurers and root workers as a “guardian” for family. It is believed by many that when people are bound by blood in permanent relationships (family) where respect and consideration are lacking, that bloodroot chips and rosemary leaves tied in a flannel bag hung over the lintel can ward off evil in the home and bring better luck in family matters. The chips can also be burned on charcoal to bring about good relations with in-laws and tranquility in the home. Bloodroot also has a long history of use as a folk remedy for cancer. Native Americans used bloodroot to heal various forms of cancers and other benign growths. Many modern herbalists prescribe a salve made from the root to remove warts, growths, and cancerous tumors.
Personal Experience: N/A
Indications for Use: Flushed red cheeks and pulsing in the neck with a feeling that blood is rushing to the head; right-sided afflictions; headaches or migraines, usually on the right side and made worse from light/noise; neck and shoulder pains on right side; allergies; heartburn; digestive problems; burning pains; symptoms made worse from movement but possibly relieved through sleeping or being in darkness; craving for spicy food; tendency to feel worse after eating sweets; chronic bronchitis, asthma, croup, coughs and other respiratory problems.
Possible Side Effects: High doses are considered toxic and poisonous. When taken in excess, it can cause nausea, impaired vision, dizziness, intense thirst, burning of the stomach, and a slowed heart rate. Topically, it may burn or cause redness in the skin, as it contains skin-irritating compounds. Long term internal consumption may contribute to glaucoma, hence those with glaucoma should not take bloodroot. Use in children is considered unsafe. Do not use when pregnant.
Expected Outcomes from Usage: Relaxes bronchial muscles due to powerful expectorant properties; stimulates peripheral circulation; stimulates the heart and digestion in small doses; depresses the heart and digestion in larger doses