Red Root Ceanothus americanus


  • Common Names
  • Red Root , New Jersey tea, Wild Snowball
  • Botanical Name
  • Ceanothus americanus
  • Family
  • RHAMNACEAE
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Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Red Root

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How to Use: Red Root


The healing uses of the plant were known to the native tribes of North America who used it to treat skin cancers, skin lesions, and venereal sores. The root is an astringent, expectorant and antispasmodic. It is used by modern herbalists in the treatment of complaints such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. It has proven useful in mouthwashes to relieve sore throat and to help reduce dental plaque. 1

Preparation Methods & Dosage :Decoctions of the root bark, tinctures and sometimes found in capsule form


Red Root Side Effects: Not for use while pregnant or nursing.

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Plant Description


  • Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Cylindrical clusters (1-2" long) of tiny, fragrant, white flowers (1/8") appear on long stalks at the stem ends or upper leaf axils
  • Plant Class:compact, dense, rounded shrub which typically grows 2-3' tall
  • Root and Bark: Initially green and later developing shallow splits and turning brown.
  • Leaves:Toothed, broad-ovate, medium to dark green leaves (to 4" long) are gray and hairy below.
  • Preferred Habitat:prairies, glades, dry open woods and thickets
  • Flowering Season:Spring to Late Summer
  • Distribution:

Regional Traditions :North America *


History and Traditions & Folklore

Dried leaves were used as a tea substitute, in the American Revolutionary War times, hence the common name "New Jersey Tea", but it is the root that has been used for medicine by herbalists in China, Russia and North Americas.
References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Mountain Rose Herbs Red Root Profile