Blood Root Powder (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Native Americans used powdered bloodroot to produce a reddish liquid dye for cloth, leather and other goods. It was also used as war paint. It is still used today for this purpose by various artisans, most notably by traditional southeastern traditional basket makers.
Origin: United States
Active Compounds: Isoquinoline alkaloids, including Sanguinarine, Chelerythrine, Sanguidaridine, Oxysanguinaridine, Sanguilutine, Berberine, Coptisine, Chelilutine, Protopine, Sanguidimerine, Sanguirubine, and a- and b-Allocryptopine; Alkaloids Sanguinarine, Chelerythrine, Protopine and B. homochelidonine; Protopine, one of the most widely diffused of the opium alkaloids. The rhizome also contains red resin and an abundance of starch.
Plant Part Used: dried rhizome
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Appearance and Aroma: Orange-red in color, with no distinct aroma.
Household Uses: Blood root is reputed to act as a natural insect repellent. It is also used to produce a dye for coloring wool and fabric.
Safety: INTERNAL USE IS NOT RECOMMENDED due to the presence of benzophenanthride alkaloids in the root.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.