Bloodroot Mountain Medicine

Magnificent Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, never fails to take my breath away. I could barely keep my feet moving as we hiked along the mountainside, staring at this incredible flower in my hands...spellbound by her powerful presence. Medicinally, Bloodroot has been used to treat various cancers, to support oral, respiratory, heart, skin, joint and overall health. She is known to speed circulation through the body, cleanse the blood, and decrease inflammation. Herbalist Susun Weed tinctures the root and uses just one drop at a time in a mouthwash to kill bacteria which cause cavities and gum disease. Dr. Andrew Weil has seen success with using powdered bloodroot to remove skin tags and moles topically.

Bloodroot is very strong medicine and can be extremely toxic to our system if not taken in tiny doses with the utmost care. Bloodroot is also very rare and should not be harvested unless found in a large colony. If you're fortunate enough to catch Bloodroot during her very brief early Spring bloom, you are in for a treat. And if you listen closely, she may have a thing or two to teach.