Friday, May 9, 2008

Bloodroot As Alternative Medicine

Bloodroot As Alternative Medicine

Bloodroot is an alternative medicine that has been used extensively by the North American Indians to treat rheumatism, fever and all kinds of skin infections. It is also known as coon root, red root and terrorwort.

  1. It is a remedy for bronchitis and asthma.
  2. It is an effective treatment for gingivitis, cough and throat infections.
  3. It is used to treat skin disorders such as warts, ringworm and fungal tumors.
  4. It is a treatment for venereal infections.

Bloodroot is available as dried root, tincture and mouthwash. It is often used in very small doses as large doses can be toxic. Standard dosage is less than one ml. An infusion is made by steeping one teaspoonful of powdered root in 250 ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. This tea can be taken 2 to 3 times a day.

This herb is not recommended for children, pregnant and nursing women. Vomiting, dizziness, nausea and vertigo are some of the possible side effects. The North American Indians used the juice from this plant to treat sore throat and cancer. However, bloodroot remains a less popular alternative medicine than many other herbs.

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