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Bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis)
Parts
Used: With Bloodroot it is primarily the roots
and juice from the roots that are collected, however the whole plant
can be used. The flower was often used as a hair decoration
(when they could catch them).
General
Medicinal Uses: It seems that many Native
American tribes had many topical uses for Sanguinaria canadensis
- but even they do not recommend the internal use. A tea like
liquid was made of the root and applied externally for skin ulcers and
cancers, warts, athlete’s foot and other fungoid conditions, and acute
muscle pain.
General
Folklore: An old Cherokee myth is that a small
piece should be carried in a medicine bag, to ward off evil and bad
spirits. However, this myth does not have an origin and
medicine teachers do not where or when it started.
General
Culinary Uses: None.
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Alternate
Common Names: Canadian Bloodroot, Coon Root, He
Root, Indian Paint, Indian Plant, Indian Red Plant, King Root, Paucon,
Pauson, Red Indian Paint, Red Puccoon, Red Root, Sanguinaria,
Snakebite, Sweet Slumber, Tetterwort.
For
a full display of Bloodroot pictures - please click here.
Gender:
Male
Planet:
Mars
Element:
Fire
Native
American Element: West Medicine
Astrological:
Specific
Warnings: DO NOT INGEST THIS
HERB! Bloodroot has an emetic effect in dosages
above 0.03 g. Internal overdoes can cause vomiting, diarrhea,
intestinal colic, possible collapse, and possible death. Just
because you see this listed as a plaque inhibitor and read that it is
used in mouthwash and toothpaste - DOES NOT make it safe to experiment
with. Quote from the Peterson Field Guide of Medicinal Plants
and Herbs: “Toxic.
Do not ingest. Jim Duke has experienced tunnel vision from
nibbling the root. Sanguinarine said to cause glaucoma.”
Identification:
Poppy Family, Papaveraceae
You have to be the early bird to catch this beautiful flower.
It can appear before the leaves and with them, in the earliest of
spring. I have seen these blooms as early as mid February by
me (northern mid Indiana) and many years I have missed them
totally. The books say Bloodroot blooms from March to
May. Thank goodness the leaves are so striking, and unique,
or this plant may have been missed totally. I have to be
honest with you - the first time I harvested Bloodroot and saw the red
juice (that does resemble blood) it really made me think about what I
was doing.
The flower appears with one lobed leaf often curled around the smooth
flower stem. The flower is, on average, about 1 1/2 inches (4
cm) wide, it is brilliant white to soft cream colored, sort of waxy
feeling, has two sepals (one of the modified leaves comprising a calyx
- the usually green outer whorl of a flower consisting of sepals),
dropping off as the flower opens. The flower has 8 to 10
petals, separate and alternating one slightly larger, then one slightly
smaller. The flower opens in sunlight and closes at night and
it only lasts a short time. It has numerous, golden stamens
(the pollen-producing male organ of a flower), surrounding one golden
pistil (carpels usually differentiated into an ovary, style, and
stigma) in the center. The flower produces a two pointed seed
capsule, pointed on both ends.
The entire plant reaches a height of about 10 inches (25 cm) and grows
slightly clumped together. The leaves are 4 - 7 inches (10 -
17.5 cm) long, bluish green, palmately scalloped into 5 - 9 lobes.
Cultivation:
Bloodroot is actually indigenous to the Northeastern United
States and is a perennial that frequents most moist wooded
areas. I’ve transplanted it, with great luck, to a moist
north side of my house. In flower gardens it makes a very
striking appearance in spring and planted beneath a big old tree is the
perfect answer to what to grow in the shade.
If you do intend to harvest Bloodroot you need to do it in the spring
as both flower and leaf do not last in the heat. By the time
August rolls around you will be very hard pressed to find the
plant. Then the only harvesting you could do, would be
knowing exactly where it ‘was’ growing.
The
existence
of Bloodroot in the wild is at risk. It should
be protected, and only lightly harvested if needed. Small
patches should be left alone (or helped along) and instead of
harvesting, people should be more concerned with protecting and
repopulating.
If the seeds dry out, germination can take as much as a year.
The seeds mature about four weeks after the flowers - they should be
planted right away - and you most likely won’t see the plant until the
following year. Transplanting by root separation is a much
easier way - but great care needs to be taken in not disturbing the
roots too greatly. Roots should be laid horizontal if
transplanting.
There is one variety of Bloodroot (S. canadensis ‘Multiplex’) that has
double flower petals and has been designed with the flower gardener in
mind.
Medicinal:
Compounds (as quoted from the PDR):
“Isoquinoline alkaloids
of the benzophenanthridine type (4 - 7%): chief alkaloid sanguinarine,
further including among others, chelerythrine, oxysanguinarine;
protoberberine-type: berberine, coptisine; protopine-type: protopine,
alpha- and beta-allocryptopine. Resins. Starch.”
Bloodroot’s current use is obsolete
in most countries. Sanguinarine is both antimicrobial,
anesthetic, antiseptic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. I
am sure a good Doctor could use it - but it is NOT something to play
with on your own. It actually was (documented) used for
gingivitis and as an antiplaque agent. But that is hardly a
reason to just put it in your mouth - the risk is truly too
great. Sanguinarine binds to plaque in your mouth and helps
to prevent it from sticking to your teeth. Since plaque is
the main reason for gum disease, this chemical was / is put in many
toothpastes and mouth washes. It was also used in minute
doses as an appetite stimulant, and in slightly larger amounts as an
arterial sedative.
Bloodroot ingestion can cause a positive opiate test in urinalysis.
The alkaloids first act as a narcotic (no, not the good kind), causing
severe cramping. This sensation is followed by a local
paralysis of the sensitive nerve endings. I actually noticed
this one time when I was harvesting without gloves on. Not
only were my hands turning orange / red, they were also slowly going
numb. Boy did I hurry and get my hands washed! And,
that was the last time I ever harvested without gloves.
The red sap (or blood) of the underground root was used by Native
Americans as a dye for clothing, baskets, and skin paint.
They also used it as an insect repellent, for rheumatism, asthma,
bronchitis, lung ailments, laryngitis, fevers, applied to warts, and as
an emetic.
In desperate times I have used Bloodroot as an insect repellent -
mostly to get me out of a wooded area thick with mosquitoes.
It does help for a little while (I wouldn’t try bottling it, hehe), but
it really does color the skin, and your clothing, orange / red.
I couldn’t word the following quote any better (or differently) than
Doctor James A. Duke in The Green Pharmacy:
“Here’s an herb to avoid
if you have glaucoma or a family history of the disease.
There is some evidence - not compelling, but worth noting - that
consumption of the sanguinarine, a compound found in
bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) may contribute to glaucoma.
The
one
place you’re likely to encounter bloodroot is in toothpastes or
mouthwashes, since the herb is an excellent preventive for gum
disease. The products might have the compound sanguinarine
rather than bloodroot itself listed on the label.
I
don’t
think the risk is major; after all, you don’t usually ingest either
toothpaste or mouthwash. But if you’re concerned about
glaucoma, you should be aware of the concerns about bloodroot” Thank
you
Doctor Duke!
To the Cherokee Bloodroot is a West Medicine (focused on the internal
aspects of the physical body) and it was a rare plant that had a
specific use, instead of something to be blended with other
herbs. It’s special use was in chronic, very bad, indigestion.
It seems that many Native American tribes had many topical uses for
Bloodroot - but even they do not recommend the internal use.
A tea like liquid was made of the root and applied externally for skin
ulcers and cancers, warts, athlete’s foot and other fungoid conditions,
and acute muscle pain.
Aromatherapy:
None
History, Folklore, and Magical
Belief: Bloodroot was an official medication in
the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 - 1926. The USDA placed
Bloodroot on it’s Unsafe Herbs list in 1977.
As a love charm, a man in the Ponca tribe of Native Americans would rub
Bloodroot juice into the palm of their hand, and then scheme to shake
the hand of the lady they wanted to marry. In about a week
the lady would be fond of the idea. I can’t help but think
that the ladies looked at the hands of the men that wanted to shake
their hand. And, would only shake the hand of a man that she
wanted to marry.
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I’m not really sure why some of the ‘current’ magical books haven’t
picked up on the use of Bloodroot and it’s folklore. Some
deep study has brought up some really interesting beliefs. |
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Cunningham mentioned to place it near doorways or windowsills for
protection. An old Milwaukee news paper (the actual paper
name wasn’t listed with the article - it was an article about folklore
and plants) went on to report how. First, close to a Full
Moon the harvesting (for protection) needs to be done when the plant is
flowering (considering it’s associations I would add that it be done on
a Tuesday if possible). Three, hand length, roots are cut /
per door or window that they will be used for. The roots are
then chopped - being careful not to lose too much juice - into a clear
jar. Red wine is added to this - just so it covers the roots
- and the jar is sealed and placed outside where the moon can shine on
it. This is opened up on the New Moon and the red juice is
painted on the sill of doors and windows (on the outside).
This was believed to be impossible for evil to cross. To me
this sounds rather biblical in nature. I really wish I could
learn more about the ‘where’ this one originated. If you are
familiar with this custom and can help with more information on it, please send me an eMail.
Making a Bloodroot love amulet:
You will need a small amount of wax (about 2 tablespoons) and a small
amount of Bloodroot root - fresh. For this use I would do it
on a Friday. Start by cutting the root and protect it until
you get it home. Chop this into small pieces (don’t loose the
juice). If you pick a small rounded bottom cup, for a mold,
this will actually look nice too. Place the root into the cup
and pour your melted wax over it - just until the root is
covered. When cooled carry it with you at all
times. It is said that, on the day the amulet breaks, is the
day that you will know your true love.
I am one to talk to the plants and tell them what I intend to use them
for. I wait for a feeling that it’s okay - before I harvest
any of it. If I get agitated or uncomfortable I know that the
plant doesn’t want me to harvest from it. I would suggest
that, for the two uses above, you do the same thing.
In all the books that talk about folklore, and refer to the alternate
name; Sweet Slumber - they refer to it as a warning name.
Remember the name and approach the plant use with respect and caution.
Wart Removal: A 7 day ritual using Bloodroot.
Each day, for 7 days, at the exact same time and using the exact same
Bloodroot plant (make sure and tell the plant what you are using it for
and get it’s permission to help you), cut a tiny (about a quarter inch)
piece of root and hold it (making sure it is very juicy) on the wart
for a count of 13. After you’ve done that, plant the little
piece back in the dirt, about 13 inches away from the plant you are
using, telling the plant thank you for it’s magic. Don’t wash
the juice off. At the end of 7 days your wart should
disappear. It’s noted that, if it doesn’t, you did not get
permission to use the plant. Considering that the plant
contains proteolytic enzymes (they dissolve proteins such as
wart-infected tissue), this is one spell that actually might be more
than just folklore.
An old Cherokee myth is that a small piece should be carried in a
medicine bag, to ward off evil and bad spirits. However, this
myth does not have an origin and medicine teachers do not where or when
it started.
This particular myth is one I remember being told, but don’t remember
who told me (don’t you just hate that). Native American
warriors would use Bloodroot as a ‘war paint’. As they
harvested the plant - and it would bleed - they would be reminded of
what they were about to do and the blood they would see. This
was not an exhilarating feeling, but one of deep sorrow, and a reminder
that they might be the one that bleeds in the battle.
Culinary:
None
Sources:
1. A lot of the information shared comes from years of study
and personal use.
2. PDR for Herbal Medicines - Thomson Physicians' Desk
Reference published by Thomson Medical Economics. Copyright
2000.
| 3. |
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National Audubon Society Field guide
to
North American
Wildflowers - Eastern, by Thieret, Niering, and Olmstead, published by
Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. I used Copyright 2001. |
4. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodroot
5. Peterson Field Guide, Eastern / Central, Medicinal Plants
and Herbs, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, published by Houghton
Mifflin Company. Copyright 2000.
6. An old Milwaukee news paper article.
7. The Master Book of Herbalism, by Paul Beyerl, published by
Phoenix Publishing Co. Copyright 1984.
| 8. |
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The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke,
Ph.D,
published by
St. Martin’s Press. I used Copyright 1997. |
9. The Cherokee Herbal, by J.T. Garrett, published by Bear
& Company. Copyright 2003.
10. Herbs, An Illustrated Encyclopedia, by Kathi Keville,
published by Barnes & Noble Books. Copyright 1997.
| 11. |
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The American Pharmaceutical
Association
Practical Guide
to Natural Medicines, by Andrea Peirce, published by The Stonesong
Press. Copyright 1999. |
12. The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.,
published by Pocket Books a division of Simon & Schuster ,
Inc. Copyright 1980.
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All
information, shared on
this web site, is for enjoyment and study only and is NOT meant to
diagnose or treat any medical condition. Only your
health care professional is qualified to diagnose or treat medical
conditions. Do not risk your health! Just because
something is 'natural' does NOT make it safe. Do not, under
any
circumstance, ingest or use herbs in any form
without consulting your Doctor. If you do, you do so
at
your OWN RISK.
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Rights Reserved 2009, Sandy Marie.
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