Once a popular cough medicine, Bloodroot is now valued primarily for its ability to prevent dental plaque and gum disease. An extract of the herb is found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. Although these compounds serve as active ingredients in a variety of commercial formulations, use of Bloodroot itself is no longer recommended.
Homemade preparations taken in excessive amounts can easily prove poisonous.
Bloodroot is native to the northeast U.S. and Canada, and was used as body paint by native Americans. As its name suggests, the root is dark red. Higher doses are poisonous. No interactions have been reported. No harmful effects are known.