Notes from a beautiful place on the planet: part of the driftless area of northwestern Wisconsin at Lake Pepin, where the Mississippi winds beneath limestone bluffs and the night sky is unobscured. Thanks for visiting! ~Uri

April 27, 2008

Tiny Bloodroot brings hope for Spring

In our back woodlot it is a banner year for Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadesis), the jaunty little white flower with the impressive broad leaves. Native Americans used the blood-red juice from the root as a dye, and warriors painted their faces with it and maidens their bodies. Native Americans, early settlers and herbal practitioners have prescribed Bloodroot for medical conditions ranging from skin cancers to ringworm, warts and other fungal growths. Researchers are investigating the root's value in cancer treatment.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

hi Uri, I was wondering if you had any idea why it is called Bloodroot since it is a white flower?
Very interesting post, by the way, and makes one want to harvest the lil' flower to make a tincture for whatever may ail ye.
Love your blog, it's beautiful!
Sophie of the Moors