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How to Use Red Root to Detox discusses: how to use a tincture made from this root to help usher out toxins, aid digestion, resolve many chronic health issues and even help rid the body of parasites.
Spring detox with red root
Each spring I love focusing on detoxification.
Our bodies are designed to do this, and nature tells us by sending up such beautiful green shoots and edible flowers, as well as by providing roots that are ready to be discovered (dug up!) and harnessed.
We’re living on our friends’ farm now, and I’m learning from them about new spring edibles for both humans and wildlife.
The bees see the kale blossoms, a first spring food for them. We see them too; and when we pick and eat we are aiding in the process of flushing out toxins and regenerating our systems’ productivity.
In addition to picking and eating wild mustard green blossoms, lots of lemon balm and fresh mint, and occasional kale blossoms this year, I’m using red root to support my body’s detoxification process.
Two of its common names are Mountain Lilac and Desert Lilac. Its Latin name is Ceanothus americanus.
Sure enough, herbalists gather red root in the early spring. Its harvest time is an indication of when our bodies will benefit from its constituents.
Cleanse and detox
Red root’s been used for thousands of years, especially in Asia. It’s known to widen blood vessels, promote healthy cellular growth and be rich in antioxidants.
Perhaps most importantly, as someone who’s spent years healing and repairing my gut, I get “all ears” when I learn of an ancient method that increases cellular growth and reduces inflammation!
When that herb also helps to usher out toxins, it’s a hard herb to resist.
Red root works well with sluggish lymph systems, clearing away dead cellular tissue and stimulating circulation.
The lymphatic system is not only responsible for carrying waste from the body. The lymphatic system is also the heart of the immune system and even delivers nutrition: triglycerides as fuel to the body between meals.
Red Root warms the system
I notice personally an increase in “digestive fire,” especially during and after lunch, which is the one meal that I usually keep very small because my digestion has been historically less active.
It is a warming herb, a benefit for those of us who often feel cold and/or with chronic conditions — especially those conditions that relate to digestion and the immune system.
Is this you? It IS me, one of the reasons this herb has been so helpful.
What I’ve noticed personally since I began taking red root is that I run warmer, by a lot.
For the first time in my life, the boys in my family are asking me if we can close the windows?! I’ve got them open for cool, fresh air and the boys who are usually “dying” from being too hot are actually getting cold before I do! This happened within one week of taking red root twice daily.
Chronic Issues
In regard to chronic health issues, here are some uses for red root to consider:
- helps with constipation
- kills unhealthy bacteria in the mouth
- relieves menstrual pain
Red root is not recommended for acute conditions internally, but rather lingering issues of: skin, lungs, belly and lymph nodes.
This herb is considered safe to use over a long period of time.
I like using it in the spring (and summer) months, when the sun is already promoting detoxification in my body and nature is telling us to harvest and use the plant.
Red root may also be beneficial for those with:
- fibrocystic breast disease/tissue
- mastitis
- mononucleosis
- bronchitis
- asthma
- sinusitis
- tonsillitis
When I read this list, I was amazed how many of these conditions have affected my family over the years, and just how useful this herb can be to those of us with chronic issues.
I would have liked to have learned of this herb and its properties years ago!
Chronic sore throats, too heavy of periods, enlarged lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, a chest cough that won’t go away are all great examples of when to consider using red root.
Tangentially, the way I first learned of red root was 15 years ago, using a red root salve topically, recommended by my midwife, with a castor oil hot pack, for mastitis. It always worked, usually with the first 40 minute application.
This is an example of when red root is used for an external acute condition. It is also used acutely and externally to aid in blood coagulation, situations of excessive bleeding.
Cautions with red root
Red root can interfere with anti-coagulant medication, as red root acts to improve blood coagulation.
Dosage of red root
Herbalists use a variety of doses with red root, ranging from very small amounts of the tincture (5 drops, 2 x a day) to 30 to 90 
drops 4 x a day. (One herbalist I read said it can cause an upset in digestion if used long term.)
Red root also aids in digestion when used in small doses.
I personally use 30 drops 2 times daily, between meals on an empty stomach.
However, red root can also be used after a high fat meal, (especially after pork that has not been marinated), which can affect the coagulation of blood cells.
Find Red Root tincture here.
Parasites in the Lymphatic System
Lastly, if you suspect you may have worms, red root can be a great way to get fluids flowing again, which in turn can flush out parasitic worms that harbor within the lymphatic system.
This actually happened to me (and was mildly traumatic).
After visiting the Bahamas for 3 weeks I came home, unbeknownst to me at the time, with a variety of round worm in my gut, lungs and lymphatic system. We were there in the winter of 2016. The spring of 2017 is when I started my red root cleanse.
I won’t go into all the details, because honestly it was a bit traumatic. But suffice it to say, I blew a worm out my nose, had it tested to confirm the variety and source, and then treated myself after consulting with my doctor.
Red root helped to loosen the hold of the worms, which helped me to become aware of the problem. Most hosts do NOT know they’re infested.
Parasitic worms are a worldwide and common health problem, especially in warm climates, North America included.
Red root blessed me by flushing the worms out before they got a stronghold or sabotaged my health.
For my full treatment and how I got rid of the worms, you can read this article here.
How will you use red root? Have you used it before? I’d love to hear.
Anna @GreenTalk says
I called it the NJ Tea plant and for some odd reason it died this year. I love its flowers and leaves so never wanted to dig it up. I guess now I will be using its roots.
niki says
what other herbs kill parasites and how long to take Red Root?
Megan says
Hi Niki, wormwood: https://amzn.to/42XbBV8 This post might also be helpful to you: https://eatbeautiful.net/how-to-remedy-yeast-infections-pathogen-overgrowth-candida/ I use red root for 2 weeks at a time and then take a break.
Vanessa Pruitt says
So interesting!
Small Footprint Family says
I’ve never heard of red root before, but I love mountain lilacs. I’ll have to give this a look because I have a sluggish detox system.
Lindsey Dietz says
I also love to focus on liver detox during the spring! I keep frozen dandelion leaf cubes to add to smoothies, and I drink a lot of nettle tea. But I should try this, too! My liver always needs the extra support.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
This one is new to me. It sounds like I could really benefit from it and I’m so excited to get some! I’ll have to check and see if I can find it at the co-op, otherwise I’ll order some soon. Can’t wait to try it!
linda spiker says
This is new to me too. But I am sure I would benefit from it’s use!
Shelly Wolfe says
I did a spirit walk on a cleansing quest for myself, this was recommended to me by an elder from the 1800’s (spirit) I had never heard of it before this, so of course googled it and found it. I did place an order and just started the cleans today! We will see how it go’s thank you for the information, I am still learning about red root.
Candy says
I want to take it to help my lymph system cause I’m always backed up with toxins
Megan says
Yes, it’s wonderful! Blessings!
Dono says
I have been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease, I have likely had it for over 20 years but have been pushing myself through the symptoms as much as I can until I have a crash and become useless for a week or 3, then I start all over again. But I just started treatment and feel like complete doodie when I can across some herbal suggestions to ease the herxing toxicity and Red Root is one of them, then I read it helps with Lymphatic Drainage, So I am thinking that this may not just help me, but my wife who is battling stage 4 cancer might get some relief for her Lymphedema that causes her right arm to swell up like a balloon and causes her severe discomfort.
Megan says
Thank you for sharing Dono!! I’m so happy to hear about the helpfulness of this herb, and I’m sure your comment will be helpful for future readers! I’m sorry to hear about you and your wife’s struggles!! Much love and wellness to you!!
melissa khatziagelis says
Hi I’m suffering with Lympheodema and wonder if redcroot helped your wife? Bless her
V says
Many years ago, I’ve used it, among other herbs, to eradicate state 4 cancer
Tiffany Kostakos says
May I ask what type of cancer? My mother-in-law has stage 4 ovarian cancer and i would love to buy this, as well as any others youde recommend, to help her as much as possible. Eradication would be nothing short of a blessing but ill take even an improvement in her discomfort. If you wouldnt mind sharing what you used and what type of cancer you were able to beat, i would greatly appreciat it! Also, were you able to do so just using herbs or were you also doing con ventional medicine (chemo, radiation, etc..?) Congratulations on beating suck a horrible disease!
Rev. Lisa M Murray, ND says
For Infectious Disease, the tincture (15-30 drops before meals & before bed) used to heal the spleen, flush the lymph system, as well as stimulate the release of toxins from the liver (has been known to reduce Herxheimer Reactions). Can also use a decoction of blended 2 tsp (or 1 tsp/pint) of dry/powdered root to a quart of slow boiling water, cover, take-off of heat, then steep 30 minutes. Drink 1 cup before meals & bed-time, or use as a antiseptic wash or gargle. Can use daily until infection is gone, or intemitanty.
Kidder says
Can Red Root tea increase blood pressure?
clulu says
i just want to thank you for sharing yours story about cleaning your lymphatic system from parasites w/ this herb…..im battling biting mites which may or may not be scabies, but they started off in skin as usual, then made it to the blood then finally to my heart….i managed to get them out of there by using rife frequencies, but they started to go into other organs part of the lymphatic system….
i have been battling this on my own for months now, and started using poke root/berry which works similarly to red root and cleavers but is not safe to use long-term, its too strong, so i wanted to use something safer….im so glad for your testimony that gives me hope that one day i can finally rid myself of this!!! i will leave u the link for the frequencies i listened to almost 24/7 to make them come out and they do. for me its indispensable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zive05ZhQFE&t=3018s
there are many other beats on youtube u can use, but i can vouch for this one especially since its so peaceful-sounding you can use it to sleep
Tiffany Kostakos says
I am in a similar battle only my is against parasitic worms that have become systemic and is causing kidney failure and my lymphatic system to shut down. I am start the rife machine this saturday at a new doctor i have started to be treated by. I dont understand or know very much about the rife machine though to tell you the truth. So do you just go to that link you posted on youtube and play to just listen to it and thats it? What other treatments or rememdies are you using/have you used that youve found has helped you? i WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Julie says
I hope you get this, Tiffany but how did you get diagnosed with the parasitic worms? And that they are causing lymphatic issues? I hope you are getting some relief! Thanks!
clulu says
also i forgot to ask, how long did it take to get rid of the parasites completely using this tincture?
Jessica says
I would love to know the dosages and duration of usage for all of the products you used for the parasite cleanse. I have lived overseas for quite awhile and think parasites are the reason for my health issues.
Megan says
Hi Jessica, I’m sorry for your struggle. Here are a few articles you may find helpful: https://eatbeautiful.net/2019/02/08/how-i-got-rid-internal-worms-natural-parasite-remedies-adults-kids/ and https://eatbeautiful.net/2015/08/02/why-and-how-to-take-diatomaceous-earth-for-pathogen-overgrowth/ and https://eatbeautiful.net/2015/08/16/how-to-heal-yeast-infections-and-treat-pathogen-overgrowth-part-2-candida-and-more/ . Each one shares dosages and to some extent time frames. Best wishes in recovering from your health challenges!
Jess says
Thanks so much.
Pamela Parker says
Megan can I take red root if I’m on warfarin? Just curious because I have lymphatic issues with horrible swelling in my lower legs, ankles and feet and would love to try this but was wondering if I could taking warfarin. Thank you so much for all your expertise and info!!
Megan says
Hi Pamela, I’m sorry, I can’t say in regard to medications. I hope you can find a trusted N.D. or functional doctor to help you with your question. Best wishes!!
Teresa J. Rilling says
I appreciate your vivid comments! They are actually quite helpful.
Rebecca Susan Wildeman says
I have Red Root in powder form do you know the doses with that?
Megan says
Hi Rebecca, I’m sorry; I don’t.
Cassandra Phillips says
So my main question is you say it can help the blood conguulate and if you are susceptible to blood clots anyway is this still an option to take?
Megan says
Hi Cassandra, I don’t know; I’d ask your doctor.
Sally Avery says
Hi Megan,
This is interesting information about Red Root. Do you still recommend this herb tincture to folks on a VAD protocol?
Thanks,
Sally
Megan says
Hi Sally, sadly, no. I was so tempted to take it myself this spring, but it’s bright red, so I just can’t. 😉
Vinnie says
Hi Megan, thanks for the excellent, informative article on Red Root.
Was wondering if Red Root can be taken in pill form or brewed as a tea, or is the tincture a better, more effective form.
I have the ability to produce any of these forms of intake, but am puzzled as to which is the most effective.
Thanks for your time
Megan says
Hi Vinnie, I do think the tincture is the most effective.