Bloodroot

(Sanguinaria canadensis)

Other Names:
Bloodwort, Redroot

Range:


Family:
Papaveraceae – The Poppy Family

Growth Type:
Herbaceous, perennial flowering plant native to Eastern North America

Height:
Typically growing up to 1 - 2 feet tall

Leaves:
A single multi-lobed leaf approximately 5 - 10 inches across grows on a single stem.

Stem/Trunk:
Herbaceous stem

Root:
The plant grows from a branched rhizome that is orange-red in color, giving the plant its name of bloodroot. Over the years, the rhizome becomes so prolific that it forms large colonies of plants.

Flower Season:
March to May

Flower Appearance:
8 - 12 petaled flowers typically appear before the leaf has had a chance to unfurl

Seed/Fruit:
A seed pod approximately 1½ - 2 inches long grows from the pollinated flower, and ripens before the leaf goes dormant around mid summer

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A

Habitat:
A true forest plant that is rarely found in disturbed soils, bloodroot grows in rich moist or dry woods and thickets. It can also be found growing along streams or in flood plains.

Parts Used:
Root/Rhizome

Culinary Uses:
None known

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Medicinal Uses:
Sanguinaria canadensis contains toxic opiate-like Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. With the primary toxin being Sanguinarine. Sanguinarine has been shown to kill animal cells by blocking transmembrane proteins.

Now with the above cautions, bloodroot has historically been used in very small doses to treat bronchial problems and infections. bloodroot paste has also been used to treat skin cancers, as well as to remove warts and tumors. A fluid extract has also been used as an effective treatment for ringworm.

Ongoing research into Sanguinarine is yielding some very promising results. Another important constituent of Bloodroot, Berberine, is showing promise in fighting brain tumors and many other cancers. We need to look past the initial idea that a plant is toxic, and identify which properties may offer medicinal value, and find a way to use them in an effective manner.

Medicinal Actions:
Anesthetic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antineoplastic, Antipyretic, , Emetic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Pectoral, Sedative, Stimulant, Tonic