Sanguinaria canadensis

Also known as indian paint, indian plant, indian red paint, pauson, red paint root, red puccoon, red root, sanguinaria and tetterwort. Bloodroot is a small perennial plant which grows to about 6 inches. Found in shaded, rich soils, the rootstock contains a red juice when fresh. When dried, it turns yellow inside and brown outside. It has basal, veined leaves, and grows a short, naked flower stem. The plant bears a white flower with 8 to 12 petals.

The roots of this plant are diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant and tonic. It should only be used in very small doses. It may be used externally for sores, eczema and other skin problems. Large doses are sedative, and an overdose can be fatal. Seek medical advice before use.

Blood"root` (), n. Bot.

A plant (Sanguinaria Canadensis), with a red root and red sap, and bearing a pretty, white flower in early spring; -- called also puccoon, redroot, bloodwort, tetterwort, turmeric, and Indian paint. It has acrid emetic properties, and the rootstock is used as a stimulant expectorant. See Sanguinaria.

⇒ In England the name is given to the tormentil, once used as a remedy for dysentery.

 

© Webster 1913.

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