Page 199 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Red Root,
New Jersey Tea,

Ceanothus americanus

and other Ceanothus

spp.

Red root, also known as New Jersey Tea, is found on
dry, gravelly banks and open woods. Many species of
Ceanothus species have the same medicinal proper-
ties. It is in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) Family.
Identification: You can recognize Red Root by its Fevers, Coughs, Bronchitis, Sore Throats,
lacy white flowers and the wintergreen scent of its Whooping Cough, and Tonsillitis: The root
leaves. It grows to a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters), alt- and bark of Red Root are both used for treating fevers,
hough many plants are shorter. It tends to grow very sore throats, and mucous problems. It also works to
wide. The slender branches are herbaceous in the up- treat infections of the upper respiratory tract. The
per part and woody at the base. The root system is sub- roots are astringent and anti-spasmodic with expecto-
stantial and deep with fiber-like root hairs near the rant properties. It has a high tannin content. Try Red
surface. Root Tea or a Red Root Bark Decoction and use as a
gargle.
Deeper roots are plump and woody with small lumps.
The large and deep root system increases the plant's Stimulates the Lymphatic System, Mono-
ability to survive wildfires. The plant produces lacy nucleosis: A tea from the roots and root bark stim-
white flowers in clustered inflorescences on long pe- ulate the lymphatic system and the immune system. It
duncles. These small white flowers appear in oval clus- works to support healing from mononucleosis.
ters at the tip of the branches. The fruits produced are High Blood Pressure: The roots and root bark
dry and burst open naturally to release the seeds.
contain gentle hypotensive properties that reduce the
Edible Use: The leaves have a refreshing flavor and blood pressure.
wintergreen scent. They make a good tea without the Hemorrhoids: The combination of tannins and the
caffeine.
anti-inflammatory properties of Ret Root help reduce
the swelling and relieve the pain of hemorrhoids. Use
topically.
Skin Wounds, Dermatitis, Herpes, and
Skin Tumors: A decoction made from the root bark
of Red Root treats skin wounds and diseases. The high
tannin content reduces fluid in the lesions and the as-
tringent properties reduce the symptoms. The dried
and powdered bark can also be dusted onto skin
wounds.

Body Wash: The flowers have high levels of sapo-
nins and lather well for use in cleaning the body or
clothing.
Medicinal Use: The root and root bark are used To use them for cleaning, mash the flowers and soak
medicinally. The flowers can be used as a soap.
in water. Use the lather as a mild soap. Alternately, rub
the flowers all over the body to produce a lather. Using

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