Red Indian Paint

Red Indian Paint
A single species of perennial makes up this genus of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), which occurs in eastern N American woodlands. Sanguinaria canadensis is a choice plant for woodland borders, raised beds, and shady areas of the rock garden. It is at its best in spring, producing exquisite flowers and scalloped new leaves simultaneously. In common with most members of the poppy family, S. canadensis contains a number of opium-like alkaloids. This toxic herb was used by various native N American peoples to dye skin and implements red, and to induce therapeutic vomiting. It was also used to treat sore throats, ringworm, and rheumatism, and appeared in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (1820-1926) as a stimulating expectorant. It is now important as a source of antibacterial alkaloids, one of which (sanguinarine) is used as a dental plaque inhibitor. Sanguinaria comes from the Latin sanguis, "blood", referring to the red sap in the rhizomes.

Rhizomatous perennial with kidney-shaped, scalloped, gray-green leaves, 15-30cm (6-12in) across. Solitary, short-lived white flowers, about 8cm (3in) across, sometimes pink-tinged, appear in spring asa the new leaves emerge, followed by an oblong capsule containing many seeds.

Common Name:

Red Indian Paint

Other Names:

Bloodroot, Red Puccoon

Botanical Name:

Sanguinaria canadensis

Genus:

Sanguinaria

Family:

Papaveraceae

Native Location:

Eastern N America

Cultivation:

Well-drained, rich soil in sun or partial shade.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn (species only); by cuttings or division of rhizomes in the late summer or early autumn. Rhizomes are brittle and should be handled carefully.

Harvest:

Rhizomes are lifted in autumn and dried for liquid extracts, ointments, and tinctures.

Warning:

Excess depresses the central nervous system, causes nausea and vomiting, and may prove fatal. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. For use by qualified practioners only.

Height:

15-60cm (6-24in)

Width:

30-45cm (12-18in)

Varieties:

Plena
syn. Flore Pleno, Multiplex
Has longer-lasting, double, white flowers.

Hardiness:

Z3-8

Parts Used:

Rhizomes

Properties:

A bitter, acrid, warming herb that has expectorant and diuretic effects, lowers fever, relaxes spasms, and slows heart rate. It is locally anesthetic and effective against many pathogenic organisms.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for bronchial, respiratory tract, and throat infections, and poor peripheral circulation. Externally for skin diseases, warts, nasal polyps, benign skin tumors, sore throat, and chilblains. Combined with Lobelia inflata (See, Indian Tobacco) for bronchial asthma; with Capsicum annuum (See, Sweet Pepper) and Salvia officinalis (See, Common Sage) as a gargle for pharyngitis; with Myrica cerifera (See, Bayberry) in snuff for nasal polyps, and with Chelidonium majus (See, Greater Celandine) to remove warts. Used in homeopathy for migraine.

Economic Uses:

Extracts are added to toothpaste and mouthwash as an anti-plaque agent.

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