Red root otherwise known as New Jersey tea or its scientific name Ceanothus americanus is a relatively small shrub with a long history.
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Uses
- Its roots and the bark of the root have been used in herbal medicine for centuries owing to its astringent, expectorant and sedative qualities while it is especially well known for its ability to treat a variety of conditions related to disorders of the lymphatic system. Red root is native to the Eastern part of North America from Canada to Texas and its New Jersey tea moniker dates back as far as the Revolutionary war period when it was drunk as a substitute for expensive imported tea.
Benefits
1) FOR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM SUPPORT
One of the most important uses of red root is its ability to support the spleen and treat a range of lymphatic system disorders.
The importance of a healthy lymphatic system is often overlooked; effective lymphatic circulation is critical to good health. An efficient lymphatic system prevents illness and promotes healing as well as general wellbeing. A vital part of the lymph system, the spleen protects your body by cleaning worn red blood cells and other toxins out of the bloodstream which helps fight infection. Lymph nodes also contain white blood cells known as lymphocytes which produce antibodies that protect against infection by trapping and destroying dangerous pathogens.
2) TO ALLEVIATE RESPIRATORY COMPLAINTS
Red root has expectorant properties and has been used by the Native Americans traditionally to treat respiratory sicknesses such as whooping cough and bronchitis long before it was discovered by European colonists.
3) FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Homeopathic practitioners consider that red root can be utilized effectively to promote overall digestive health and to treat a variety of complaints related to the digestive system. As well as abdominal pain, constipation irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, homeopaths have noted red root’s efficacy in treating painful menstruation.
4) POTENTIAL ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTY
While I must point out that there is no scientific evidence regarding this claim, many homeopathic practitioners believe that red root has antibacterial abilities. This claim relates to its organic compound content including high concentrations of tannins, lignins and ceanithene which are thought to be antibacterial phytochemicals.
5) FOR DETOX PURPOSES
As well as helping the body’s lymphatic system to operate efficiently, red root is considered to be an excellent herb for those wishing to detox their system. Modern lifestyles and diets as well as our inevitable daily collision with pollutants and chemicals means that an ever increasing number of people are looking to give their body a helping hand by detoxing their systems; essentially giving themselves a fresh star. Red root is thought to be beneficial for our important internal organs like the kidney and our most significantly, the liver.
6) FOR THE SKIN
Red root has astringent properties and can be applied topically to help treat a variety of skin complaints like acne, blemishes and signs of aging. Red root can also be used to heal skin lesions and minor wounds because of its antibacterial ability.
Cautions
- Red root is considered to be a safe natural herb even when used extensively and for long periods; most adults can use it without concern but there are some precautions that need to be noted.
Like any other type of herbal remedy, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised not to take red root tea or tincture because not enough is known about its potential effects on the unborn child or baby.
Interactions
n/a
Other names
Ceanothus americanus, New Jersey tea, Jersey tea ceanothu
References
Source: Healthy Focus, https://healthyfocus.org/6-red-root-benefits/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceanothus_americanus
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