What is a red root?
Red root is a flowering green shrub that is indigenous on the North American continent. The native Americans used the root of this plant to treat diseases such as skin cancer and upper respiratory disease. Current herbalists use extracts from this plant as a blood coagulant, expectorant, antispasmodic and astringent. Chemical compounds found in the red root are considered useful in the treatment of diseases such as sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and diarrhea. The red root is also considered effective in lowering blood pressure. The red root has a bitter taste and provides a feeling of cooling when used as an infusion. The active chemical compounds contained in this plant include resin, alkaloids, coagulant and tannins. The healing properties of this plant are primarily useful for the treatment of problems in the upper respiratory system. Internally, it is known that the extract from this plant has a sedative effect.
Herbalists recommend that the red root be used internally as coagulation, antispasmodic, sedative or expectorant. It is believed that the extracts of this plant can be used to effectively reduce fever, relieve headache, cough control and killing viruses. Reduating hemorrhoids, stopping nosebleeds and reducing the size of the cyst breast and ovaries were also attributed. Extracts from the root of this plant are also used to treat disorders such as Hodgkin's disease, Epstein-Barr syndrome, hepatitis and mononucleosis. The red root is also considered to be effective treatment of bronchitis, asthma, overload of sinus, diarrhea and fatigue.
Medicinal extracts from this plant can also be used for local applications. Tinctures made of red root are often used as and to control acne and help in healing skin lesions. Some herbalists use the extracts of this plant as a form of oral water to help treat infections in the mouth. This mixture of mouthwash is also used forsore throat and prevent plaque accumulation on the teeth. The flowers of this plant are sometimes used as a form of soap due to foam they produce when they are added to the water.
The herbalists sometimes use red root extract to treat high blood pressure. It was also found to be effective treatment for enlargement of the spleen and prostate. In order to be used internally, this plant extract must be immersed in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Local applications can be used as a tincture or housing. This extract is also available in the form of a capsule.