What is Bloodroot?
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis), commonly known as bloodroot, is a low-growing, North American flowering plant and the sole member of its genus. This fact doesn’t mean that the plant is less than prolific, however, since its propagation is aided by the activity of ants. In a type of mutualism called myrmecochory, ants collect and store bloodroot seeds in the colony to be used as food. Some of the seeds are consumed, but others are nourished by by-products produced in the nest and later germinate.
Formulas & recipes
Bloodroot salve recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ cup bloodroot herb
- 1 cup olive oil
- ¼ cup beeswax
Combine bloodroot and olive oil in saucepan and heat on low, stirring occasionally for at least 3 hours. After 3 hours, turn off the stove and let the mixture cool until the temperature is comfortable enough to handle.
Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth and let all the oil strain out. Make sure to squeeze the cheesecloth to extract any extra oil. While oil is being strained, heat up the beeswax on the stove in the same saucepan. Stir in the bloodroot mix until everything is the same color and texture throughout. Remove from heat and quickly pour into preferred salve tin or jar. Once the mixture dries it will be solid and salve consistency!
Benefits
Bloodroot herb benefits
The chief chemical component of this herb is sanguinarine, which actually represents a group of alkaloids that produce effects similar to morphine. Sanguinarine is also known to induce uterine contractions, so it should be entirely avoided by pregnant women.
In ironic twist, cell culture research suggests bloodroot alkaloids may offer acute immune health support. For instance, researchers at Drake University in Iowa have investigated the effects of sanguinarine.
Used externally, bloodroot has some very specific and highly desirable qualities—if used properly.
Specifically, bloodroot alkaloids have been used to dissolve unsightly moles, warts, and skin tags. However, since bloodroot preparations can also damage healthy skin, they should be used carefully and never on broken skin or sensitive areas, such as the eyelids, lips or genitals.
