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Dr. Ingrid Naiman (Ingrid)
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2000 - 11:39 pm: | |
Many people have asked if there is any way that I can clarify the difference in actions of these two herbs.
Basically, bloodroot is one of the most fascinating and yet unpredictable herbs with which I have ever worked. First, it would appear that it enters the blood stream extremely rapidly. Even if applied to the bottom of the foot, it produces symptoms such as queasiness or nausea in as little as 20 seconds to a few hours in certain patients. Secondly, when administered as a first choice, it often appears to drive internal toxins and perhaps cancers to the surface. This manifests as rashes and skin eruptions, usually within three days of use. The extent of the reactions depends to some extent on the amount used and degree of underlying pathological state.
Ergo, where time is not the most important consideration, it may be wise to consider the use of internal anti-cancer and detoxifying formulae BEFORE using bloodroot. It might also be useful to improve the functioning of eliminatory organs, especially the kidneys and lower intestines.
Bloodroot is an escharotic in its own right. When applied to the skin, it produces a reaction is compromised tissues whether or not zinc chloride is a part of the formula. We know this with certainty because several people have used bloodroot alone or in conjunction with roasted red onions (one of the early Native American formulae reported in the appendix of my book.)
When bloodroot does bring about a reaction, there is a significant increase in circulation to the treatment area. Blistering generally occurs within 20 minutes to three days, depending, I think of the degree of morbidity and depth of the tumor or infection.
I personally feel that the inflammation is attended by an increase in circulation that could theoretically result in some dissemination of the malignancy or infection via the blood stream.
What is more interesting is that several people who self-administered bloodroot developed the expected reactions and formed eschars, but the scars that resulted resembled surgery incisions more than escharotic scars, AND these scars tended to be directly over major arteries, suggesting to me that a reaction does occur with the blood and not only the tumor.
In contract, goldenseal is "surgically precise." When used as a preliminary measure, it tends to define the circumference of the tumor. My hunch is that the tumor is surrounded by infection and inflammation and that goldenseal resolves some of the infection and heat in such a way that the dimensions of the actual tumor can be determined.
Goldenseal is quiet and painless. Bloodroot, on the other hand, can result in excruciating pain. In my estimation, both have significant anti-cancer value, but goldenseal is a valuable preparation and sometimes is adequate as the major treatment. In any event, if an eschar does not form, it is possible to move from goldenseal to the more aggressive bloodroot after defining the treatment region.
However, once bloodroot has been used, let us say for more than one or two days, it is important that it be continued. I remain convinced that it is not possible to stir up a major reaction and then back off into a milder treatment.
When the treatment area has not been prepared through use of detoxifying strategies, bloodroot is very dramatic in its action. Nearly everyone I know says it is a dangerous herb and that it causes nausea. I told my students that this is myth. To prove my point, I drank an ounce in front of them. As might be expected of a member of the poppy family, I slept like a log and had no signs at all of nausea. Not satisfied, the students maintained that I hadn't consumed enough to make my point. So, I drank three ounces the next night. Again, I merely slept better than usual.
This said, I would not expect that a patient with a melanoma or major cancer such as liver or pancreatic cancer would provide comparable reports. My sense is that bloodroot would stir up a hornet's nest with such individuals and incredible discretion would be needed before using such a treatment, whether internally or externally.
I want to dwell a bit on this because I feel that external use is systemic, not localized. Bloodroot does appear to enter the blood stream quickly.
I would invite others to provide their clinical and/or theoretical insights into the comparative actions of these herbs. However, my experience at this juncture strongly suggests that where there is underlying infection and malignancy, bloodroot will catalyze internal responses and lead to scarring that inhibits the effectiveness of gentler herbs such as goldenseal. |
Michael Guthrie
| | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2000 - 01:32 pm: | |
My main contributions here are primarily quite Western. I offer the following from the Pharmacist's Letter Natural Products Database, which does a pretty good job of surveying the available scientific literature on natural products. It is well referenced, though I did not include references here.
Michel Guthrie, R.Ph.
www.immuneinstitute.com
BLOODROOT
Also Known As Blood Root, Coon Root, Indian Plant, Indian Red Paint, Pauson, Red Indian Paint, Red Puccoon, Red Root, Sanguinaria, Snakebite, Sweet Slumber, Tetterwort.
Scientific Name: Sanguinaria canadensis.
Family: Papaveraceae.
People Use This For:
Orally, bloodroot is used as an emetic, cathartic, antispasmodic, and expectorant (4).
Topically, bloodroot is used as an irritant and debriding agent (4).
In dentistry, bloodroot is used topically to reduce plaque (4,6).
Traditionally, bloodroot has been used for bronchitis, asthma, croup, laryngitis, pharyngitis, deficient capillary circulation, nasal polyps (4), rheumatism, warts, cancer (Fell technique), dental analgesic (6), fever, and as a general tonic (11).
Safety POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the rhizome preparations are used orally and appropriately short-term (4).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE …when excessive doses are used because sanguinarine, although thought to be poorly absorbed, is a toxic alkaloid (6,12).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE …contraindicated for oral use (12).
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE …when used orally; avoid using (4).
Effectiveness POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE ...when used topically in dental products for reducing dental plaque (4,6). ...when used topically for treating carcinomas of the nose and ear (6).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of bloodroot for its other uses.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable part of bloodroot is the rhizome. The isoquinolone alkaloid constituents, primarily sanguinarine, have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, cardiotonic (exerts a favorable effect on the heart), and antiplaque activity (4). The negative ion of sanguinarine can bind to dental plaque (6).
Adverse Reactions Bloodroot can cause nausea, vomiting (12), slight CNS depression, and narcosis (6). High doses can cause hypotension, shock, coma, and glaucoma (6). Skin contact with the fresh bloodroot can cause irritation or contact dermatitis (19).
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
There is insufficient reliable information available.
Interactions with Drugs:
No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with bloodroot.
Interactions with Foods:
No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with bloodroot.
Interactions with Lab Tests:
No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with bloodroot.
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:
GI IRRITATION: Bloodroot can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and is contraindicated in individuals with infectious or inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions (19).
GLAUCOMA: Bloodroot might affect glaucoma treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose (12).
Dosage and Administration ORAL:
The dose of the bloodroot rhizome is typically 60-500 mg three times a day (4). The usual dose of the liquid extract (1:1 in 60% alcohol) is 0.06-0.3 mL three times a day (4). The common dose of the tincture (1:5 in 60% alcohol) is 0.3-2 mL three times a day (4). Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes because of its irritant properties.
EMETIC DOSE: As an emetic, 1-2 of the rhizome, 1-2 mL of the liquid extract (1:1 in 60% alcohol), or 2-8 mL of the tincture (1:5 in 60% alcohol) are commonly used (4).
Comments:
During the mid-1800s, topical preparations of the bloodroot extracts were used in the Fell Technique for treatment of breast tumors (6). |
Michael Guthrie
| | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2000 - 01:39 pm: | |
Here is a post on Goldenseal. Data obtained from Pharmacist's letter database of Natural products.
Michael Guthrie, R.Ph
www.immuneinstitute.com
www.canceroption.com
GOLDENSEAL
Also Known As Eye Balm, Eye Root, Golden Seal, Ground Raspberry, Jaundice Root, Indian Dye, Indian Plant, Indian Turmeric, Orange Root, Turmeric Root, Warnera, Wild Curcuma, Yellow Indian Paint, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow Root.
CAUTION: See separate listings for Ox-eye Daisy, Turmeric, and Javanese Turmeric.
Scientific
Names Hydrastis canadensis.
Family: Ranunculaceae.
People Use
This For Orally, goldenseal is used as a bitter tonic (3,6) and to mask urine tests for illicit drugs (11). Goldenseal is also used as an eyewash (4), diuretic (11), and laxative (11). It is used to treat conjunctivitis (4), tinnitus (4), catarrhal deafness (4), malaria (11), nasal congestion (11), upper respiratory catarrh (simple inflammation) (4), sore gums (11), hemorrhoids (11), gastritis (4), anorexia (4), peptic ulcers (4), colitis (4), menorrhagia (4), post-partum hemorrhage (4), internal hemorrhage (3), and dysmenorrhea (4). Goldenseal is used for inflammation of vaginal and uretal mucus membranes (11), atonic dyspepsia with hepatic symptoms (4), jaundice (4,6), urinary tract infections (3), and cancer (11).
Topically, goldenseal is used for eczema, itching (4), acne (11), dandruff (11), ringworm (11), herpes labialis, and wounds (18).
Historically, American Indians have used goldenseal for whooping cough (11), diarrhea (11), fever, flatulence, pneumonia, and with whiskey for heart disease (11).
Safety POSSIBLY SAFE ...when preparations of the dried rhizome or root are used orally and appropriately, although Canadian regulations do not allow goldenseal used as a non-medicinal ingredient in oral products (12).
LIKELY UNSAFE …when more than 500 mg of the constituent, berberine, consumed. Berberine is considered moderately toxic (12). The LD50 in humans is reported to be 27.5 mg/kg (12). Overdoses of goldenseal can cause cardiac damage, spasms, and death (4).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE ...because goldenseal seems to stimulate the menstrual cycle and uterus (4,6,12).
LACTATION: There is insufficient reliable information available about safety of the oral use during lactation; avoid using(4).
Effectiveness POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE ...when used orally for diarrhea due to enterotoxigenic E. coli (4, 262). ...when used topically for the treatment of trachoma (264).
POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE ...when used orally to cause a false negative immunoassay (EMIT and TDx) for marijuana and cocaine urine tests (260). ...when used to cause false negative results for Microgenics CEDIA DAU assay for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencylidine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (261).
Mechanism
of Action The applicable parts of goldenseal are the dried rhizome and root. Scientists consider hydrastine and berberine the principle active constituents in goldenseal (4). Berberine has antibacterial and amoebicidal properties (3,4,6). Evidence suggests it has efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Corneybacterium diphtheriae, Chlamydia aureus, Salmonella typhi, Diplococcus, pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhea, N. meningitidis, Treponema pallidum, Giardia lamblia, Leishmania donovani, fungi, and protozoa (4). Berberine can improve bile secretions, bilirubin, and correct elevated levels of tyramine in individuals with hepatic cirrhosis (4). Berberine also shows some evidence of antitumor properties (4,6). Berberine increases coronary blood flow and stimulates the heart, although higher doses or long-term use are thought to inhibit cardiac activity (4,12). Berberine has antimuscarinic and antihistaminic activity (4). In low doses, hydrastine is hypotensive (4); however, at higher doses, hydrastine constricts peripheral blood vessels, potentially leading to hypertensive effects and increased cardiac output (6).
Adverse
Reactions Prolonged use of goldenseal orally can cause digestive disorders, constipation, excitatory states, hallucinations, and occasionally delirium (18). Overdoses can cause stomach upset, vomiting, nervousness, depression, dyspnea, bradycardia, cardiac damage, hypotension, spasms, and death (4). High doses of hydrastine (which is a constituent of goldenseal) can cause exaggerated reflexes, convulsions, paralysis, and death from respiratory failure (4). The fresh plant can cause mucosal irritation (12). Using goldenseal vaginally as a douche can cause ulceration (4).
Interactions
with Herbs &
Supplements B VITAMINS: Theoretically, prolonged use of goldenseal can decrease B vitamin absorption (4).
HERBS WITH SEDATIVE PROPERTIES: Theoretically, concomitant use with herbs that have sedative properties might enhance therapeutic and adverse effects. These include calamus, calendula, California poppy, catnip, capsicum, celery, couch grass, elecampane, Siberian ginseng, German chamomile, gotu kola, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, lemon balm, sage, St. John's wort, sassafras, scullcap, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, valerian, wild carrot, wild lettuce, withania root, and yerba mansa (4,19).
Interactions
with Drugs ACID-INHIBITING DRUGS: Theoretically, due to claims that goldenseal increases stomach acid, it might interfere with antacids, sucralfate (Carafate), H-2 antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors (19).
BARBITURATES: Theoretically, goldenseal might potentiate barbiturate-induced sleep time (4).
BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS: Theoretically, large amounts of goldenseal might interfere with blood pressure control due to vasoconstrictive action of constituent hydrastine (4).
HEPARIN: Theoretically, goldenseal can inhibit anticoagulant effects due to the constituent, berberine (4).
DRUGS WITH SEDATIVE PROPERTIES: Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs with sedative properties might cause additive effects and side effects (4).
Interactions
with Foods No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with goldenseal.
Interactions
with Lab Tests No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with goldenseal.
Interactions
with Diseases
or Conditions HEART DISEASE: Theoretically, low doses can increase coronary blood flow and stimulate the heart, while large doses can inhibit cardiac function (4).
HYPERTENSION: Contraindicated, the vasoconstrictive action of hydrastine might interfere with blood pressure control (4).
GI IRRITATION: Might irritate gastrointestinal tract. Contraindicated in individuals with infectious or inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions (19).
Dosage and
Administration ORAL: 0.5 -1 grams three times daily of the dried root or rhizome or as a tea, which is prepared by simmering 0.5-1 grams dried root or rhizome in 150 mL of boiling water for 5-10 minutes and then straining (4, 12). The liquid extract (1:1, 60% ethanol) is usually taken as 0.3-1.0 mL three times daily (12). The tincture (1:10, 60% ethanol) is dosed 2-4 mL three times daily (12).
TOPICAL: Used as a mouthwash 3-4 times daily. The mouthwash is prepared by steeping 2 teaspoons (6 grams) of dried herb in 150 mL boiling water for 5-10 minutes, straining, and allowing to cool (3).
Comments Goldenseal is commonly found in the deep woods from Vermont to Arkansas and received its name from the golden-yellow scars on the base of the stem. When the stem is broken, the scar resembles a gold wax letter seal. In the 1900s, goldenseal was immensely popular and became endangered due to over harvesting (13). |
Sandy Morgan
| | Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2000 - 09:25 pm: | |
Bloodroot or not
I am adding an comment on using Bloodroot.I am Native American and try to stay away from chemicals in my salves and such.I have used Bloodroot to remove cancerous skin lesions with miminal scarring.I believe in using it after an internal treatment of blood cleanser(not with Bloodroot)and internal cleasning.Bloodroot salve such be used with caution,not in the prescene of internal metastics,and not large,deep tumors.Alot of people have different opinions and different types of treatments for the same sickness.It is an good thing for this discussion board,to share views and opinions |
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