Bloodroot: What It Is, How People Use It, and Why You Should Be Careful

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a small North American plant with a bright red sap. People have used it in folk medicine for skin problems, warts, and as a dye. Today you’ll find bloodroot in creams, salves, powders, and some supplements. That variety makes it easy to get—but it also raises safety questions.

What bloodroot is and how people use it

The active compound in bloodroot is called sanguinarine. In labs, sanguinarine affects cells and has strong chemical activity. Because of that, some companies promote bloodroot products for skin lesions or alternative therapies. Common uses you’ll see: topical pastes for warts or skin marks, oral supplements sold for general wellness, and herbal mixes in traditional medicine.

Topical products are the most common. People apply pastes or salves directly to a wart or mole. Some users report quick effects, but those effects can come from tissue damage rather than healing—meaning the product can burn healthy skin as well as the unwanted tissue.

Safety, interactions, and buying tips

Safety matters with bloodroot. The red sap is caustic. Topical bloodroot can cause skin burns, scarring, and severe pain if misused. The FDA has warned against so-called “black salves” and escharotic pastes that contain bloodroot because they can destroy normal tissue and hide serious conditions like skin cancer.

Oral use also carries risks. Sanguinarine and related alkaloids can be toxic at higher doses. If you take blood thinners like warfarin, or have liver disease, talk to a healthcare pro before using any bloodroot product—there’s a potential for interactions or added strain on the liver.

How to shop smart if you still want to try it:

• Pick reputable brands. Look for clear labeling, ingredient lists, and contact info. Avoid homemade pastes sold casually.
• Check for third-party testing. Certificates of analysis (COAs) from independent labs reduce the chance of contaminants or inconsistent potency.
• Start with low-dose, short-term use. Test a small skin area first and stop at signs of severe irritation.
• Don’t use bloodroot on suspicious moles or lesions that haven’t been checked by a doctor. Burning a cancerous spot can hide progression and delay proper treatment.
• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a clinician approves it.

If you’re considering bloodroot for any medical reason, ask a pharmacist or your doctor. They can explain risks, possible interactions with your meds, and safer options. Bloodroot sounds natural, but natural doesn’t always mean safe. Handle it with care and get professional advice before you apply or ingest it.