Bloodroot / Tormentil (Sanguinaria canadensis)
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POISON
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Folk Names: Biscuits, Bloodroot, Earthbark, Ewe Daisy, Five Fingers, Flesh and Blood, Septfoil, Shepherds Knot, Thormantle
Parts Used: Rhizome (root)
Bloodroot is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant native to eastern North America. Its scientific name is Sanguinaria canadensis and it is the only species in the genus Sanguinaria, included in the family Papaveraceae.
Bloodroot grows from 20 to 50 cm tall and the dainty flowers have 8-12 white petals and yellow stamens. The sap is red and poisonous and often used by Native Americans as a dye.
Medicinal Uses of Bloodroot
Bloodroots main constituants are stored in the rhizome however the sap is very toxic. It has been used as an ointment designed to destroy skin growths but this is a painful process.
The active ingredient sanguinarine derived from the bloodroot sap has been approved in the USA for use in toothpaste and mouthwash to alleviate plaque, it has however, been linked to oral lesions. Sangarine kills animal cells by blocking the action of transmembrane proteins, so applying it to the skin may destroy tissue and leave significant scarring.
Magickal Uses Of Bloodroot
Bloodroot is often used in spells for marriage, relationships and carried to draw love. Bloodroot is also a strong protector for the home, by placing some bloodroot within the home (up high out of reach of children and pets) is said to protect from negative energies and spells. Bloodroot can substitute for blood in any spells which require such an ingredient not intended to be ingested.
Warnings
It is recommended to wear protective gear including gloves and a mask when handling bloodroot.
Bloodroot is listed as unsafe to take internally and it is much too strong for even the most experienced herbalists. Long term use has been linked to oral cancer, glaucoma, edema, heart disease, miscarriage, fainting, collapse, vision changes and diarrhea.
We have listed known warnings about this plant. These warnings are a guide only and although some magical herbs are safe in small quantities they can be poisonous in large doses or if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced in herbs the rule to stick by is “when in doubt….don’t risk it”.
You can find sacred herbs for magickal and ritual use available for sale at our website https://thesacredwillow.com.au/
Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its content should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a dedicated professional. The Sacred Willow and it’s proprietors cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any condition regarding your own or another’s health. Always seek professional advice or arrange a consultation.
Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
References: “Wikipedia.org”.>Sanguinaria. Retrieved 30/05/2016, “Herbs2000.com”. Bloodroot. Retrieved 30/05/2016, Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985). Print.
