(Sanguinaria canadensis)
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a perennial herb native to North America, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and in early herbal medicine. It contains sanguinarine, a potent alkaloid responsible for many of its effects — both therapeutic and toxic.
Bloodroot has been used primarily in Native American medicine for:
-
Respiratory ailments: Coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and asthma
-
Topical treatments: Warts, fungal infections, and skin growths
-
As a dye: Its red-orange sap was used for ceremonial and decorative body paint
Do NOT use bloodroot directly on skin lesions or cancers.
-
"Black salve" products containing bloodroot are sometimes marketed as natural cancer cures.
-
These are unsafe and disfiguring — they destroy both healthy and unhealthy tissue, causing severe scarring, infection, or delayed cancer treatment.
Internal use is risky.
-
High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, or even tissue necrosis.
-
Its alkaloids can be toxic to the liver and nervous system.
-
Always avoid internal or concentrated use unless under the care of a qualified herbalist or naturopath experienced with this plant.