Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 2:50 p.m
Diarrhea or sore gums? The medicinal plant of 2024 could help. Bloodroot is the name of the medicinal plant chosen by scientists at the University of Würzburg. The bloodroot blooms quite inconspicuously on the edges of forests and meadows, but its rootstock underground has something special: “Bloodroot is a plant with a very high tannin content,” emphasizes Dr. Nicole Armbrüster, business unit manager for herbal medicines, at the Federal Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (BPI). The BPI expert explains which properties of the medicinal plant can be useful for its healing effects.
Bloodroot doesn’t bloom red: the plant can be recognized by its small yellow petals – and it only has four of them, instead of the usual five. “However, it is not the flowers of the bloodroot that are of interest for therapeutic use, but rather the roots or rhizome,” reports Armbrüster. If you pluck it out of the ground and cut it, red juice comes out – hence the name of the medicinal plant. In fact, bloodroot was also used in folk medicine to stop bleeding.
Nowadays, scientific herbal medicine focuses primarily on two areas of application (source: HMPC): Internally, bloodroot can help with mild diarrhea and externally as a gargle or mouthwash for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat. The study group for the history of the development of medicinal plants at the University of Würzburg has chosen the bloodroot as the medicinal plant of the year 2024.
“The healing effects of bloodroot – also known as tormentill or erect cinquefoil – are primarily due to the tannins. The rootstock contains up to 22 percent tannins, more than almost any other plant. Tannins have an astringent and drying effect. As a result, the skin thickens and a protective layer is created that prevents germs from penetrating,” explains Armbrüster. “Bloodroot is also known for its anti-inflammatory and constipating effect on diarrhea and is used, among other things, as a tea, tincture or alcoholic extract in mouthwash solutions. Your local pharmacy will advise you on purchasing herbal medicines. Find out about possible risks and side effects in advance and, if in doubt, contact your doctor,” says Armbrüster.
Further information can be found in the BPI topic “Herbal medicines”.
NOTE: The general advice given here does not provide a basis for medical self-diagnosis or treatment. They cannot replace a visit to the doctor.
Note: The use of the photo is subject to the attribution Shutterstock/I. Rottlaender and free of charge in connection with the press release.