Herbs Guide

Blood Root

Family Name: Papaveraceae

Botanical Name(s): Sanguinaria canadensis

Popular Name(s): Red Root, Tetterwort, Indian Paint, Indian Plant, Sanguinariat

Parts Used: Dried rhizome

Habitat: Blood Root is native to eastern North America.

Description: Blood Root is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant which grows to a height of 60 cm. The leaves are basal, each coming from a bud on the rootstock with a size up to 30 cm across. It bears a white flower with 8 to 12 petals arranged in two or more whorls.

Uses: Blood Root is used as an expectorant, anti-spasmodic, emetic and cathartic substance. It is used to treat bronchitis, asthma and laryngitis.