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Sanguinaria canadensis (Papaveraceae)
BLOOD ROOT, RED ROOT, INDIAN PAINT
The blood
Both the Latin and common names of this herb refer to the strong red dye in its root, which was used by North American Indians as a face and cloth dye. Medicinally, it has
been used traditionally as an emetic and purgative in the treatment of stomach complaints. A native of North America, where it grows in shaded woods on rich
moist soil, it is a perennial with a thick rhizome. Flowers with waxy white petals appear in spring before the leaves, which are as big as a hand and have finger-like lobes.
PARTS USED
Root.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Alkaloids, including sanguinarine, chelerythrine, berberine, and protopine; red pigment.
ACTIONS
Expectorant; reduces muscle tension and spasm; causes nausea and vomiting; evacuates the bowels; antiseptic.
MEDICINAL USE
Used internally for respiratory and throat infections, applied externally to remove benign skin tumours, and given as snuff for nasal polyps. Extracted sanguinarine is employed as an antiplaque agent in toothpaste and mouthwashes. The homeopathic remedy (Sanguinaria) is considered excellent for migraines.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture, snuff, homeopathic remedies.
CAUTION
Poisonous, use only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
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