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BLOODROOT
(Sanguinaria candensis)
Indian pain, tetterwort, ret root
Description:
Perennial. Leaves palmate 5-9 lobed. When leaf first appears it
is wrapped around the flower bud, grayish-green, covered with
downy bloom. The white flower produces only a single leaf and
a flowering scape about 6 inches high. It is wax-like with gold
stamens. Seed, oblong narrow pod. The thick rootstock, round and
fleshy, curved at ends, contains an orange-red juice with orange-red
rootlets. U.S., Canada in rich open woods.
Medicinal,
Toxic: Root and whole plant in high doses causes burning in
the stomach, intense thirst, vomiting, faintness, vertigo, intense
prostration with dimness of eyesight. Although toxic the rhizome
is used for a local anesthetic, in small doses for chronic coughs,
sore throats, fever, skin infections and tested out for a potential
skin cancer treatment.
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