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What Is Red Root?

T. L. Childree
T. L. Childree

Red root is a flowering green shrub that is indigenous to the North American continent. Native Americans used the root of this plant to treat diseases such as skin cancer and upper respiratory ailments. Present day herbalists use extracts from this plant as a blood coagulant, expectorant, antispasmodic, and astringent. The chemical compounds found in red root are believed to be useful in the treatment of ailments such as sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and diarrhea. The plant is also believed to be effective in lowering blood pressure.

This plant is sometimes referred to as New Jersey Tea because the leaves were used as a tea substitute during the American Revolution. Red root has a bitter taste and provides a cooling sensation when taken as an infusion. The active chemical compounds contained in this plant include resin, alkaloids, coagulant, and tannins. The medicinal properties of this plant are primarily useful for treating problems in the upper respiratory system. When taken internally, the extract of this plant has also been known to have a sedative effect.

Red root's chemical compounds are believed to be helpful in treating a sore throat.
Red root's chemical compounds are believed to be helpful in treating a sore throat.

Herbalists recommend the plant be taken internally as a coagulant, antispasmodic, sedative, or expectorant. It is believed that the extracts from this plant can be used to effectively reduce fever, relieve headaches, control coughs, and kill viruses. It has also been credited with shrinking hemorrhoids, stopping nosebleeds, and reducing the size of breast and ovarian cysts. Extracts from the root of this plant have also been used to treat disorders such as Hodgkin's disease, Epstein-Barr syndrome, hepatitis, and mononucleosis. Red root is also believed to be an effective treatment for bronchitis, asthma, sinus congestion, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Some herbalists use red root extracts as mouthwash.
Some herbalists use red root extracts as mouthwash.

The medicinal extracts from this plant can also be used for topical applications. Tinctures made from red root are often used as an astringent to control acne and aid in the healing of skin lesions. Some herbalists use the extracts of this plant as a form of mouthwash to help heal infections in the mouth. This mouthwash mixture is also used for sore throat relief and to prevent the build-up of plaque on teeth. This plant’s flowers are sometimes used as a form of soap because of the lather they produce when added to water.

Herbalists believe taking red root can help reduce the size of ovarian cysts.
Herbalists believe taking red root can help reduce the size of ovarian cysts.

Herbalists sometimes use red root extract in the treatment of high blood pressure. It has also been found to be an effective treatment for enlargement of the spleen and prostate gland as well. In order for this plant extract to be taken internally, it must be steeped in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Topical applications may be applied as a tincture or poultice. This extract is also available in capsule form.

Discussion Comments

anon343602

Good site, teaches a lot. I especially liked the Thyroid test. Most people don't know about it. I found that compiling knowledge from many different sources helps me to be healthier and more educated about how to approach issues with my doctor.

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    • Red root's chemical compounds are believed to be helpful in treating a sore throat.
      By: absolutimages
      Red root's chemical compounds are believed to be helpful in treating a sore throat.
    • Some herbalists use red root extracts as mouthwash.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Some herbalists use red root extracts as mouthwash.
    • Herbalists believe taking red root can help reduce the size of ovarian cysts.
      By: joshya
      Herbalists believe taking red root can help reduce the size of ovarian cysts.
    • Red root may be used to treat an enlarged prostate.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Red root may be used to treat an enlarged prostate.
    • Red root is believed to be helpful in shrinking hemorrhoids.
      By: Andrea Danti
      Red root is believed to be helpful in shrinking hemorrhoids.
    • Red root may be useful in treating asthma.
      By: petert2
      Red root may be useful in treating asthma.
    • Red root extracts may be helpful in controlling coughs.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Red root extracts may be helpful in controlling coughs.
    • Red root may be used to relieve headaches.
      By: olly
      Red root may be used to relieve headaches.