Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) Dried Root Liquid Extract — External Use Only

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) Dried Root Liquid Extract — External Use Only

For external use only. Not for internal use. This extract is supplied for topical and cosmetic formulation work — oils, balms, salves, soaps and compresses. Do not swallow.

A liquid extract of dried Sanguinaria canadensis rhizome, supplied as a raw material to formulators. Read the warnings in full before ordering — this is not an ordinary botanical.

What you get

• One botanical, named to species. Only Sanguinaria canadensis rhizome.
• Woodland-harvested, not field-grown. Bloodroot is on the United Plant Savers at-risk list; we buy only from suppliers who harvest on rotation rather than stripping a stand.
• Cold maceration, never heated. The material steeps at room temperature rather than being boiled or spray-dried.
• Supplied for formulation, not for use as sold. This is a concentrated raw material.
• Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.
• Sizes from 2 fl oz to 2 gallons, including multi-packs — the same extract whether you are testing a formula or running a batch.

About the plant

Bloodroot is a spring ephemeral of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), found in the hardwood forests of eastern North America. Each plant sends up a single deeply lobed grey-green leaf wrapped around the flower stalk like a furled umbrella; the flower is a short-lived white star of eight to twelve petals that opens before the tree canopy closes over. Cut the rhizome and it bleeds a thick orange-red sap — hence both the English name and the Latin sanguinaria. That sap carries sanguinarine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, and it was long used by Native peoples of the eastern woodlands as a dye for baskets, cloth and skin.

Suggested use

For external use in cosmetic and topical preparations. Blend into a carrier oil, balm, salve, cream or soap base at the rate your formulation calls for. Patch-test on a small area of intact skin and wait 24 hours before wider use.

Warnings

For external use only. Do not take internally. Sanguinarine is an escharotic — it destroys living tissue on contact and causes permanent scarring and disfigurement. Do not apply to moles, skin tags, lesions, growths or any area of broken or damaged skin. Do not use to make escharotic "black salve" preparations; the FDA has taken action against such products and against the people who sell them. Wear gloves when handling. Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Keep well away from eyes and mucous membranes.

Keep out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, including on the skin. Not for use on broken skin, open wounds or damaged skin. Discontinue use if irritation, redness or a rash develops. Do not use if the tamper seal is broken or missing. Store tightly capped in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Actual packaging may carry different or additional information; always read the label before use.