Biological Name: Ceanothus americanus

Other Names: Walpole tea, bobea, New Jersey Tea, New Jersey Tea Tree, Jersey tea, wild snowball, mountain-sweet, wild snowball, red root

Elements Applied: Root bark is commonly applied in herbal medicine

Used For: The remedy is highly valued for its potency to calm the nervous system, induce expectoration, and treat diarrhea and hemorrhage.

Red root bark is believed to be beneficial in a range of lung conditions, like recurrent bronchitis, consumption, strong cough, and nervous asthma. Additionally it is suggested as a gargle for throat and mouth inflammations, sores, and enlarged tonsils in particular. In the early times of America each part of red root was applied for skin conditions (like venereal ulcers and skin cancer). The tea was also practiced as a mood elevating remedy for patients of different diseases, who suffered from depression associated with their condition.

The plant was historically applied to soothe enlarged tonsils, for which aim it was applied in form of tea as a gargle. In case tonsil swelling is severe, swab the affected area thoroughly and then gargle the rest of the dose. This will help decrease tonsil size and prevent the reappearance of condition. Spleen conditions can also be treated using red root.

To help cure liver dysfunction, especially sickness associated with it, strong indigestion, and headaches accompanied with nausea, the plant is mixed with golden seal and fringe tea.

Conventionally the herb was also recommended for pulmonary infections, including bronchitis, asthma, as well as diabetes.

Additional Info: Red root is a deciduous plant which grows in form of a bush in plains and woods of the USA. The root is thick, being red-colored inside, and brown-colored on the surface. The stems are also red-colored and feature oblong-ovate or ovate leaves, which have green color and some fuzz on them. The bush blossoms in summer, when it is covered with white flowers, gathered in panicles.

Preparation and Intake: For an infusion take one teaspoon of root bark and fill it up with a cup of water. Infuse the combination then. The common dose is 1-2 cups per day.

In form of tincture the remedy is applied in a dose of 10-20 drops diluted in water, thrice a day.