Physical Attributes of the Blood Root Plant
The Blood Root plants are perennial. It is native to regions of North Eastern America. Originally it was a wildflower growing in woods and forests. The Blood Root plant received its name due to the dark red blood-looking color of the sap juice in its stem. The plant starts growing in March and April; This plant grows best in moist and organic soil. The flower starts to bud after the leaves and stems sprout. The characteristics of its flower appearance are 6 to 12 petals, and they are white.
Today it is a popular garden plant that requires partial shade to grow. It is used for fighting various diseases. Blood Root is planted in the garden in spring or summer, and its underground stem can be removed from the soil and used for medicinal purposes.
Its history for medicinal uses dates back to the Pilgrims and the Indians. The Indians would use the red sap juice of the plant to treat cancer and an infected throat.
Uses of the Blood Root
Today it has a variety of uses. It has been approved by the FDA that its ingredients be used in toothpaste since it can aid in bacteria and plaque buildup. Dentists use it to remove plaque buildup. Doctors use it to treat bronchitis, treat asthma, and whooping cough.
This plant is considered poisonous if it is consumed in high dosages. There are also parts of the plant that should not be ingested or should not have an encounter with skin or cause inflammation and rashes. The sap can also cause eye irritation. It can cause shock and coma if too much of it is consumed.
The Blood Root plant is also used in dye-making. It is used to create the colors orange, red and pink. Many artists use the red elements of the dye in their paints.
