Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensisIts white flower, opening in early spring, lasts only a few days; ants spread its seeds.
What is Bloodroot?
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant of the Papaveraceae family. Traditions that use it: North America. Part used: root and rhizome.
What is Bloodroot used for?
Traditional use: Its root, which bleeds orange-red sap when cut, was used to make red dye for face and body paint, baskets and clothing. Scientific evidence: traditional. Sanguinarine in the root kills cells.
Is Bloodroot safe?
Safety label: high risk. Taken by mouth it can cause vomiting, fainting and vision problems. Black salves applied to the skin cause severe tissue damage and delay cancer treatment.
Traditional use
Its root, which bleeds orange-red sap when cut, was used to make red dye for face and body paint, baskets and clothing. Small amounts were also recorded as a cough remedy.
The main ingredient of the corrosive “black salves” sold online with claims that they “draw out” cancer.
In nature
Mix-up risk
It does not grow in Türkiye; the real risk is salves sold online.
Preparation
Use is not recommended.
What science says
Sanguinarine in the root kills cells. Black salve burns healthy tissue too, leaving deep wounds and permanent scars, and cancer cells have been shown to survive beneath it. The US FDA has warned consumers against these products.
Safety
Taken by mouth it can cause vomiting, fainting and vision problems. Black salves applied to the skin cause severe tissue damage and delay cancer treatment.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Oral or skin use is not recommended | Interaction data are limited; the main risk is that it burns tissue. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Bloodroot.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchSanguinaria canadensis: geleneksel tıp, fitokimya ve güncel kullanımlar (derleme)
- ResearchSiyah merhemle deri kanseri tedavisi (derleme)
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Sanguinaria canadensis
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe