How to Use Bloodroot for Medicinal Purposes

Long before scientists began mixing chemicals to produce medications, the Native American Indians were using herbs to treat common ailments. Bloodroot, (Sanguinaria canadensis) features beautiful white flowers that open in early Spring and a dark red root, from which dye is extracted. Although used with success as a remedy for skin eruptions and tumors, bloodroot can also be dangerous.

Instructions

• 1

  Use with caution. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that bloodroot is unsafe and discourages its use. Nevertheless, it is not a restricted herb and many natural healers include it in salves, poultices and other remedies.

• 2

  Boil a small amount of water and pour it over a few fresh bloodroot leaves, letting it steep for ten minutes before dipping your toothbrush into the liquid and brushing your teeth thoroughly. Use a soft bristle brush to keep from damaging the gum tissue. The FDA has approved bloodroot for fighting gingivitis and plaque in commercially prepared toothpastes.

• 3

  Extract the juice from the root of the plant to use as a salve for skin fungus and skin cancers. Because of its flesh destroying properties, bloodroot successfully treats ringworm, warts and other skin disorders, including cancerous tumors. However, it may produce disfiguring scars.

• 4

  Alter your brain chemistry with a topical application of the red dye, made from the colored rhizome of this powerful plant. With systemic properties, the juice, when applied to the skin, quickly penetrates into the bloodstream. The Ponca tribe may have painted the dye on the bodies of nervous brides on their wedding night. With a morphine-like effect, bloodroot applied to the skin in large amounts affects brain function.

• 5

  Gargle with a diluted herbal extract made from boiling water and pouring it over fresh leaves. This solution is popular for sour throats and tonsillitis. Take care not to swallow the liquid or you may find yourself vomiting--promptly. Also used to induce vomiting, bloodroot’s taste is highly offensive and therefore difficult to use as an emetic.

• 6

  Make a poultice of the leaves to treat gangrene conditions on the extremities. Morbid flesh is highly reactive to the application of the bloodroot herb but surrounding healthy flesh may also suffer. A skilled application of the poultice is necessary to target only the diseased flesh.