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Bloodroot

Bloodroot, which is also known as Dilledapp, Durmentill, Natter(n)wurz, Rotwurz, Ruhrwurz, Siebenfinger and Tormentill, as well as by its Latin name Potentilla erecta, is a plant whose root is used to make medicine. Bloodroot is used as a tea for diarrhea, croup, hoarseness, sore throats, poor blood circulation in the blood vessels under the skin, nasal polyps, rheumatic joint and muscle pain, warts, stomach problems and fever. An alcoholic preparation of the root of bloodroot is sometimes applied to the skin for small cuts to stop bleeding. It is also added to water and used as a mouthwash to treat mouth and throat infections. In the mid-19th century, bloodroot extracts were applied to the skin as part of the Fell technique for treating breast tumors. In the field of dentistry, bloodroot is used on the teeth to reduce plaque formation.

How does bloodroot work?

Bloodroot contains ingredients known as tannins, which may help to reduce inflammation of the skin. Tannins also have a drying effect on the tissue. This drying effect could help control diarrhea and stop bleeding.

How effective is bloodroot?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of bloodroot taken orally for fever, stomach upset and diarrhea, bloodroot applied to minor cuts to stop bleeding, and bloodroot used as a mouthwash for mouth and throat infections. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of bloodroot in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Bloodroot also appears to be safe and harmless when used in children for up to 5 days. Bloodroot may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue and stomach discomfort. Skin contact with the fresh plant may cause a rash. Bloodroot should not get into the eyes, as this plant can cause eye irritation. Long-term use of bloodroot may not be safe and harmless. In high doses, bloodroot may also cause low blood pressure, shock, coma and glaucoma.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of bloodroot during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid bloodroot.

Stomach and intestinal problems such as infections, Crohn's disease or other inflammatory diseases: Bloodroot can irritate the digestive tract, so people suffering from any of these conditions should not use bloodroot.

Glaucoma: Bloodroot may interfere with the treatment of glaucoma. People suffering from glaucoma should only use bloodroot on the advice of a doctor and under constant monitoring of their eye health.

Interactions

At the present time, there is no information on interactions of bloodroot with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of bloodroot products depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for bloodroot products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

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