The Health Benefits Of The Sanguinaria Canadensis Root

Other Common Names: Coon Root, Indian Paint, Kanotu, Paucon, Red Pucoon, Red Root, Snakebite, Sweet Slumber, Tetterwort, Sanguinaria canadensis

Range: Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Arkansas and N. Florida, west to Nebraska; Canada; Turkey; Russia

Habitat: Rich soils in open broadleaved woodland and on shaded slopes

Blood root was a traditional remedy of the native North American Indians who used it to treat fevers and rheumatism, to induce vomiting and as an element in divination. It is native to the northeast U.S. and Canada, and was used as body paint by native Americans. As its name suggests, the root is dark red.

In modern herbalism it is cheifly employed as an expectorant, promoting coughing and the clearing of mucus from the respiratory tract.

The root is locally anaesthetic, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant, tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of bronchial, respiratory tract and throat infections, and poor peripheral circulation. Use with caution and preferably only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The root is toxic, containing a number of opium-like alkaloids that are also found in other members of this family. An excessive dose depresses the central nervous system, causes nausea and vomiting, and may prove fatal. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant or lactating women.

Externally, the root is used in the treatment of skin diseases, warts, nasal polyps, benign skin tumours, sore throats and chilblains. An infusion of the root or the sap of the fresh root is used. The root can be harvested in the autumn, dried and stored for later use. It should not be allowed to become damp since it will then deteriorate.

Bloodroot contains a mixture of antimicrobial compounds that fight plaque-forming bacteria. Sanguinarine, which is obtained from the root, is used as a dental plaque inhibitor. An extract of the herb is found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes.

The root is used to make a homeopathic remedy that is used to treat migraine.

Known Hazards: This species contains many alkaloids and is poisonous in large doses. This herb should not be used by women when they are pregnant or lactating. The sap, fresh or dried, can cause intense irritation to the mucous membranes.

- Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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