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Overview: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant that is known for the blood-red liquid found in its roots. This liquid is used in mouthwashes, liquid extracts, and salves that are applied to the skin. Although there is interest in using bloodroot for various purposes, its benefits are not well defined. It can also cause serious side effects in some people, including serious skin damage and colored patches inside of the mouth. Speak to your health care provider before using bloodroot for any reason.

Uses

What is bloodroot used for?

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is used in mouthwashes, supplements, and topical products for various reasons. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed bloodroot for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does bloodroot work (mechanism of action)?

Bloodroot, also known as red root, is a plant called Sanguinaria canadensis. It gets its name from the blood-red liquid found inside its roots. Products that contain bloodroot are usually made from this liquid, which is also sometimes used as a red dye.

One of the chemicals in bloodroot, sanguinarine, is thought to have various effects in the body. But the actual effects of bloodroot are unclear. There is very little research available to help us understand if or how it may work for any use.

Bloodroot is a part of a product called “black salve” or “black drawing salve.” Black salve is a topical product that is sometimes marketed as a treatment for skin cancer. But there is no evidence that bloodroot or black salve can help treat skin cancer. In fact, using bloodroot may make skin cancer harder to treat by delaying effective treatment. Bloodroot can also cause serious side effects when applied to the skin (see the Side Effects section for more information).

Herbal products, like bloodroot, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific bloodroot product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store bloodroot?

You should store bloodroot according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bloodroot?

The most common side effects of bloodroot are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach (when taken by mouth)
  • Irritated, red, or damaged skin (when applied to the skin)

There may be other side effects of bloodroot that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of bloodroot?

While less common, the most serious side effects of bloodroot are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bloodroot may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bloodroot and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Serious Skin Damage. Applying bloodroot to the skin may cause serious skin damage. Bloodroot can burn the skin, causing it to die (necrosis) and turn black. This blackened skin is sometimes called an eschar. Since your skin is not able to heal around an eschar, a health care provider may need to remove the dead skin tissue. Stop using bloodroot if you notice burning or damaged skin. Contact a health care provider right away if your skin begins to turn black.

White, Red, or Gray Patches in the Mouth (Leukoplakia). Using bloodroot mouthwashes or other products in the mouth may cause a condition called leukoplakia. This condition appears as white, red, or gray patches on the tongue, cheek, or floor of your mouth. These patches are usually painless, but they may be sensitive to touch, heat, or spicy foods. Over time, leukoplakia can increase your risk of mouth cancer. If you notice patches inside your mouth, stop using bloodroot and speak to your health care provider.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use bloodroot?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bloodroot.

  • Bloodroot
  • Red root
  • Sanguinaria canadensis
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bloodroot products they stock.

What should I know about bloodroot before using it?

Bloodroot is found in mouthwashes, dietary supplements, and salves that are applied to the skin. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep bloodroot out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as bloodroot, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific bloodroot product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new product or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Bloodroot is available in many different forms, including as a mouthwash, liquid extract, or topical salve. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested bloodroot products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using bloodroot?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Skin Cancer. If you have skin cancer, speak to your health care provider about the best treatments for your condition. Do not apply bloodroot products to your skin as a treatment for skin cancer. Bloodroot can cause serious skin damage. See the Side Effects section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of cancer, including mouth cancer
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. There is some concern that bloodroot may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if bloodroot passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does bloodroot interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between bloodroot and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bloodroot.

Does bloodroot interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between bloodroot and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with bloodroot is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using bloodroot with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bloodroot?

If you or someone else has used too much bloodroot, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Bloodroot may be used in many different ways. When bloodroot is applied to the skin or used as a mouthwash, it can cause serious side effects. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider before using any bloodroot products.