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Bloodroot Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Bloodroot is an ingredient (listed as sanguinarine) In certain toothpastes and rinses. Sanguinarine is extracted from the rhizome (underground stem) of Sanguinaria canadensis, a perennial plant native to North America. Although bloodroot used in homeopathic medicine, the Food and Drug Administration considers it safe in foods, beverages, and drugs.

Common doses of Bloodroot

Bloodroot comes as a tincture and an extract. Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As a tincture, 0.3 to 2 milliliters three times a day
• As an extract (1:1 in 60% alcohol), 0.06 to 0.3 milliliters three times a day.

Why people use Bloodroot herb

• Constipation
• Fugal growths
• Nasal polyps
• Ringworm
• Skin cancer
• To induce vomiting

Side effects of Bloodroot

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of bloodroot:

• headache
• irritation of the eye or mucous membranes (from contact with the root dust or components)
• nausea
• vomiting.

Excessive doses of bloodroot can cause:-

• low blood pressure
• shock
• coma.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use bloodroot when taking sanguinarine products containing zinc

Important points to remember

• This herb's powdered rhizome (underground stem) and juice may destroy the tissues of human and other mammals.
• Don't use bloodroot except under strict supervision and guidance of your dentist or other health care practitioner.
• Don't use this herb if you're pregnant.
• Use bloodroot cautiously and under medical supervision if you have a skin cut, abrasion, or healing tissue.

What the research shows

Most clinical data support the use of bloodroot (as sanguinarine) as an ingredient in toothpaste or oral rinses to control dental plaque. However, one study showed it had no benefit when used in combination with routine periodontal care (such as oral hygiene, scaling, and planing). Besides offering no advantage over routine periodontal care, sanguinarine may be dangerous if ingested orally.

Sanguinarine's effectiveness against skin cancers, fungal infections, and nasal polyps hasn't been proven in controlled clinical trials. Because oral ingestion of this substance has caused tissue destruction, experts don't recommend.

Other names for Bloodroot : -

Other names for bloodroot include Indian paint, red puccoon, redroot and tetterwort

Products containing bloodroot are sold under such names as Lexat and Viadent.

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