Who put the "blood" in bloodroot?

I thought I would share this photo of the "blood" that is contained in the stems and roots of bloodroot. I posted it to PF today but didn't see any similar pics.

Wonderful illustrative photo! It looks like you've pricked your finger.

It wouldn't wipe off easily, either. I licked it and it was bitter (not recommended, just data for all those students of nature out there).

I guess that's why they call it bloodroot. Nice photo.

I wonder if the Indians used it to paint their horses?

I read somewhere that it was/is used to help with bleeding gums. I've heard there is an organic toothpaste made with it.

Kawonkamish(Greetings),

The the powdered root of the Bloodroot(Sanguinaria canadensis) was used by the Native Americans, in an ointment form, as a treatment for sores and wounds. The plant is violently emetic(vomit inducing) and shouldn't be eaten. All parts, especially the root, were used as body paint and was a good, fast, red dye for cloth.


Aquene kah nahonnushagk(Peace and farewell),
Moe/WautukquesSochepo(SnowRabbit)

Thank you for the info. I did wonder why it is called blood root.

Kawonkamish,

I forgot to mention, it was also used as war paint and as an insect repellent.

Aquene,
Moe/WautukquesSochepo