Thursday, April 02, 2009

Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot blooms in late winter, early spring and is found in rich woody soil usually clinging to banks or slopes. A blood red liquid extracted from the plant's rhizome can use used to produce a fabric dye with a fast yellow orange color.The escharotic properties of the rhizome's liquid has been used to treat skin conditions such as ringworm, warts and fungal growths. Small doses taken internally may cause visual disturbances. The FDA has sanctioned the use of bloodroot in toothpastes and mouthwashes to fight plaque and gingivitis but discourages use by herbal healers due to the  unpredictable nature of its escharotic properties.

1 comment:

Σφιγξ said...

Since you are reading into your pictures:

http://www.drnick.net/index.php?catID=1&pageID=3421

While I know you are perfectly knowledgeable about the analog remedies, does this post intimate what I have known all along?

I think about the first two examples--the flowering bases of salves and botanical surgery--and
I see your scope as a shaman...
a knowledge of each purpose, whether tonic or malign, in the strength of infusion, all together with the insight to know the difference.

Now find the Common Hepatica, in the buttercup family, and a characteristic sign of spring...