Bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis) also called Indian paint, Sweet slumber, Snakebite, Pauson, Tetterwort, Coot root, Indian plant or Saguinaria, is a perennial herb in the poppy family Papaveraceae. Bloodroot has been ascribed the following herbal properties such as anesthetic, emetic, cathartic, emmenagogue, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, febrifuge, tonic and stimulant. Its native range is Eastern North America. The stem is smooth, round, pale green which is tinged with red. It has a basal leaf which is kidney shaped and eight to twelve white petals. According to the herbal practitioners, Bloodroot possesses various medicinal properties.

History

The name (species) canadensis mention its Canadian origin. The North American people used root to treat various health ailments.  The juice is used as skin paint, dye objects and repels insects. In the 19th century, the root moved to European trade. It was used in tincture or powder form in limited dosages to produce sweat and as an expectorant to treat chronic bronchitis. In North America, the root is considered officinal.

Plant

Bloodroot is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 20-50 cm (7.9-19.7 inch) in height. The leaves are basal, kidney shaped with 2.5-8 inches (6-20 cm) wide. The flowers are two inches across with eight to twelve white petals and are hermaphroditic. Flowering occurs between Late March to Early April. The pod is an oblong, elongate capsule which is 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) long which has round, black to orange red seeds of 1/16^th-1/8^th inches (2-3 mm) long. Stems are smooth, round, pale green which is tinged with red and 8 inches in height. The roots are thick, round and 1-4 inch (2.5-10 cm) long which has bright orange sap.

Health Benefits of Bloodroot

Bloodroot is historically used to treat the health problems such as respiratory issues, stomach problems and eliminate warts as well as tumors. It is used to treat various skin disorders. The Bloodroot tincture is used to cure the liver ailments such as jaundice. The paste made from bloodroot is used to treat fever and joint pains. Other benefits are described below:

1. Prevents cancer

The berberine is a chemical compound which is extracted from the Bloodroot that helps to reduce the cancerous cells and tumors in the brain. The results were impressive when the study was done to treat skin cancer and breast cancer. (1)

2. Respiratory system

Bloodroot is effective to treat the respiratory ailments such as influenza, common cold, sinus and lung infections. It has expectorant properties that help to eliminate mucus, phlegm where the bacteria and pathogens could be collected. (2)

3. Healthy heart

Bloodroot is related with the cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure. The chemical components found in the Bloodroot helps to lower the strain on the heart. This help to prevent the coronary heart disease and reduce the atherosclerosis effects. (3)

4. Applied topically

Bloodroot is used in the herbal remedies and topical skin applications as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to eradicate the health ailments such as psoriasis, eczema, tumors, acne, warts and skin lesions. The application of Bloodroot salves to the affected area helps to provide the smooth and young skin without blemishes. The Bloodroot salve should be applied in small amounts. (4)

5. Treat migraine

Bloodroot possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the pain of headaches and migraines. It helps to eradicate the inflammatory molecules and relief analgesic. Bloodroot is an effective aid to cure the chronic ailments. (5)

6. Relief arthritis

The paste of Bloodroot is helpful for the arthritis patients because it helps to eradicate pain and inflammation in the joints. It promotes the growth, circulation, repair and keeps the healthy metabolism. (6)

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