Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, is a flowering herbaceous plant native to the Northeastern United States. It tends to grow in old-growth areas with moist, but well-drained soil and part shade. It is protected in some states so take care if you harvest.

The red root or rhizome can be used to make a dye. Indigenous Americans used it as an emetic, for gastrointestinal issues, for tuberculosis, skin wounds and rashes. It is an ingredient in Black Salve, a controversial treatment for skin cancer. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Studies have shown that the sanguinaria component does display activity against cancer cells.¹However, Black Salve does not distinguish between normal cells and cancer cells so it can cause tissue destruction and necrosis. ²Caution is warranted.

Bloodroot, with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, has been used in dentistry to treat periodontal disease. ³ My household finds it effective for stubborn facial blemishes and bleeding gums.

Tincture Dosing is 3-4 drops 3x day, 20 drops per day max. It is not for use in children or pregnant women. Too much may result in nausea and vomiting. Start slowly as allergies and intolerances are always possible. Do not use, either internally or externally, for more than two weeks at a time.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.

1 Tuzimski, Tomasz, Anna Petruczynik, Tomasz Plech, Barbara Kaproń, Anna Makuch-Kocka, Małgorzata Szultka-Młyńska, Justyna Misiurek, and Bogusław Buszewski. 2021. "Determination of Cytotoxic Activity of Sanguinaria canadensis Extracts against Human Melanoma Cells and Comparison of Their Cytotoxicity with Cytotoxicity of Some Anticancer Drugs" Molecules 26, no. 6: 1738. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061738

2 Ordille AJ, Porter A, Scholl AM. Black Salve: A Dangerous Corrosive Disguised as an Alternative Medicine. Cureus. 2023 Jul 1;15(7): e41248. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41248. PMID: 37529807; PMCID: PMC10388685.

3 Herbs: A Good Alternatives to Current Treatments for Oral Health Problems M Anushri1, R Yashoda2, Manjunath P Puranik3 1 Postgraduate Student, Government Dental College & Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2 Associate Professor, Government Dental College & Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 3 Professor & Head, Government Dental College & Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, is a flowering herbaceous plant native to the Northeastern United States. It tends to grow in old-growth areas with moist, but well-drained soil and part shade. It is protected in some states so take care if you harvest.

The red root or rhizome can be used to make a dye. Indigenous Americans used it as an emetic, for gastrointestinal issues, for tuberculosis, skin wounds and rashes. It is an ingredient in Black Salve, a controversial treatment for skin cancer. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Studies have shown that the sanguinaria component does display activity against cancer cells.1 However, Black Salve does not distinguish between normal cells and cancer cells so it can cause tissue destruction and necrosis. 2 Caution is warranted.

Tincture Dosing is 3-4 drops 3x day, 20 drops per day max. It is not for use in children or pregnant women. Too much may result in nausea and vomiting. Start slowly as allergies and intolerances are always possible. Do not use, either internally or externally, for more than two weeks at a time.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.

2 Ordille AJ, Porter A, Scholl AM. Black Salve: A Dangerous Corrosive Disguised as an Alternative Medicine. Cureus. 2023 Jul 1;15(7): e41248. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41248. PMID: 37529807; PMCID: PMC10388685.

Studies have shown that the sanguinaria component does display activity against cancer cells.¹However, Black Salve does not distinguish between normal cells and cancer cells so it can cause tissue destruction and necrosis. ²Caution is warranted.