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And she blooms and begins to drop petals in a single breath…
Bloodroot greets us in early spring are the white and yellow flowers of Sanguinaria canadensis. The red root of this perennial plant was used as a dye and paint by Native Peoples. When you dig up and break open the root it looks identical to blood seeping from the injured rhizome. This native woodland plant is slow to spread and is sensitive to disturbance and is on the United Plant Savers At-Risk list and should be used with respect. The plant traditionally had many medicinal uses and was historically listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia as a low-dose medicine, given in minute doses, due to its toxic properties in higher doses. Native peoples used it for a wide variety of of complaints. Traditionally its properties included analgesic, expectorant, digestive aid, antiemetic, blood purifier, dermatological aid, emmenagogue, abortifacient, anti-hemorrhagic, and a panacea for general illnesses.
Due to its toxic alkaloids most herbalists today do not recommend it be used internally (although occasionally for stubborn respiratory conditions in small amounts, but it is a beautiful plant to get to know on spring woodland walks.
