Papaveraceae
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Red Puccoon, Pauson, Tetterwort, Indian Paint
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Oral bacteria (gingivitis — sanguinarine toothpaste clinically validated), skin lesions (topical — escharotic, highly controversial), respiratory infections. PRIMARILY TOPICAL OR ORAL HYGIENE.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, antifungal, expectorant, emetic (high doses), escharotic (topical — destroys tissue)
Active Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (sanguinarine — primary, chelerythrine, berberine, coptisine, protopine)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT RECOMMENDED — toxic |
| Tincture | TOPICAL ONLY or oral hygiene formulas. Internal: 0.5 ml MAX under professional guidance |
| Notes | Sanguinarine toothpaste (Viadent) clinically validated for gingivitis. Escharotic (black salve) for skin lesions — controversial, causes permanent scarring. Internal use: low therapeutic window, emetic and toxic at higher doses. Professional guidance required. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Internal use toxic. Never use escharotic black salve — severe tissue destruction. Avoid in pregnancy. Oral hygiene formulas safe if not swallowed.
Side Effects: Internal: nausea, vomiting, CNS depression. Escharotic: permanent scarring, tissue destruction, disfigurement. Oral use (not swallowed): generally safe.