What Is Bloodroot Used for and Is It Safe?

Native Americans used bloodroot to treat many conditions, including skin cancer, sore throat, and wound infections. It was also used as a dye and an emetic (to induce vomiting).

Alternative medicine providers contend that bloodroot can treat various medical conditions. In Western herbal medicine, the plant has been used most often as an expectorant (eliminating phlegm and mucus in the airways), an antimicrobial (killing microbes), and to remove damaged tissue in oral health. However, bloodroot and its components can be toxic if taken for a long time or used on the skin.

This article describes bloodroot’s uses and safety.

Bloodroot Uses

Bloodroot is often used in alternative medicine as a topical or oral antibacterial agent. When used internally, bloodroot is believed to relax smooth muscles, particularly in the heart and lungs.

This is believed to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health. However, there is little clinical evidence that bloodroot can treat any medical condition when taken internally. While it may offer some benefits when used topically (on the skin), much of the current research is inconclusive.

Dental Health

There is some evidence suggesting that bloodroot can reduce dental plaque and prevent or treat gingivitis and other gum diseases. A 2015 systematic review suggested sanguinarine added to mouthwash reduced plaque that causes tooth decay with some success.

Bloodroot extracts are less commonly used today, however, after studies found a link between bloodroot and precancerous lesions (oral leukoplakia). For this reason, the use of bloodroot for oral and dental health is not advised.

Skin Problems

Bloodroot is often used in topical skincare products due to its high antioxidant content. It is considered a treatment for skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis and to debride (reduce) skin growths such as warts, moles, and benign tumors.

Despite these purported benefits, studies have found that the excessive use of topical bloodroot can lead to injury and death (cutaneous necrosis) of the tissue.

The risk appears greatest in those who apply undiluted bloodroot salves (known as black salve) directly to the skin. However, even diluted compounds are known to cause skin irritation. It is unclear at what concentration topical bloodroot may be safe and effective.

Respiratory Health

Traditionally, bloodroot was used during Colonial times to treat flu, common colds, sinus infections, and lung infections. It was believed to act as an expectorant, eliminating phlegm and mucus in the airways. However, there’s little scientific evidence to support these uses. 

Heart Health

Proponents of alternative medicine believe that bloodroot positively impacts people with heart disease. Lab studies suggest that sanguinarine from bloodroot acts as a vasodilator (has a blood vessel relaxing effect).

Clinical studies investigating these claims typically fall short. High doses have been linked to cardiovascular events such as arrhythmia and, in rare cases, coma. The overuse of bloodroot can also lead to hypotension (a drop in blood pressure).

Cancer

The bloodroot's main component (part), sanguinarine, is a toxic alkaloid. Alkaloids are compounds produced by certain plants that contain nitrogen atoms. Toxic alkaloids can have a significant effect on the central nervous system, digestive system, and immune system.

Sanguinarine's effects have been studied in lung cancer cells in a lab. These studies have suggested that sanguinarine might be able to kill cancer cells.

As significant as this finding may seem, there are many compounds known to induce cell death in a test tube. Few can do so in animals or humans without causing toxicity or injury. Sanguinarine can be very toxic and its benefits in humans are unknown. 

Moreover, black salve, comprised of activated charcoal, zinc chloride (highly corrosive), and bloodroot, has been promoted as a skin cancer remedy. Advocates have claimed this salve, marketed as an anti-cancer treatment, extracts cancer from the body when applied to the skin.

However, as mentioned, the ointment damages tissue and poses a very serious risk of scarring and skin burns, with reports of severe mutilation. Certain alternative medicine practitioners endorse their application even for deeper cancers like breast or ovarian cancer. There is no evidence to support black salve for these uses. Black salve should be avoided as it is a dangerous product.

Possible Side Effects

Bloodroot is generally safe when taken orally and for short periods of time. Some people may experience stomach upset while taking it; it’s not suggested for people with gastrointestinal conditions. Bloodroot should not be taken long term.

Using bloodroot on the skin may cause irritation, including redness, itching, and swelling.

Symptoms of sanguinarine poisoning include:

• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat)
• Fainting
• Dilated pupils
• Diarrhea

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention right away.

Warnings and Contraindications

Bloodroot has been used traditionally as an abortifacient (to abort a fetus) and emmenagogue (to bring on a period faster).

Bloodroot is extremely toxic in large quantities or for use for an extended period. 

Avoid bloodroot if any of the following apply to you: 

• You're trying to become pregnant.
• You are pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You have low blood pressure.
• You have heart rhythm disorders.

Avoid using bloodroot in children.

Bloodroot may interact with several medications:

• Bloodroot may interact with anti-hypertensive drugs used to treat high blood pressure, amplifying their effects and leading to a potentially serious hypotensive event.
• It can interact with anti-arrhythmic drugs, leading to bradycardia and other heartbeat irregularities.
• Bloodroot may also slow blood clotting and intensify the effects of anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin, causing easy bruising and bleeding.

To avoid interactions, let your healthcare provider know if you are using bloodroot or any other herb or supplement in any form, as well as any prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Most bloodroot supplements can be stored safely at room temperature in a cool, dry room. Never use a supplement past its expiration date or if there is evidence of moisture damage, mold, or mildew.

Summary

Bloodroot is an herbal supplement used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of health problems including skin conditions, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. It has also been used as a mouthwash additive to reduce plaque and treat gingivitis. 

Though there is some evidence suggesting that it may be helpful for certain conditions, it is not generally recommended since it can have severe, dangerous side effects, especially when used long-term.