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.