Ceanothus americanus
| Red root Ceanothus americanus |
Red root - Ceanothus americanus (in the Rhamnaceae or Buckthorn family)
Part used: Root.
Taste/smell: Astringent.
Tendencies: Drying.
Dosage: Decoction: 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water; or 1:4 dry strength liquid extract: 20-40 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specifics: It is indicated for stagnation of fluids, turbid lymph, mucus, swollen glands and poor nutrition to the tissues. Consider red root when the person is melancholic and the tongue is enlarged, swollen, with a dirty white or yellow coating.
Use: (a) Astringent, (b) Lymphagogue, (c) Expectorant.
Red root is used in lymphatic, splenic and liver congestion, enlarged lymph nodes, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, chronic post-nasal drip and mononucleosis. It also can increase platelet counts and is specific for reducing cysts. This herb is best suited for subacute and chronic conditions.
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.