Remove Moles with Bloodroot

Bloodroot for Skin Conditions

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) paste is a folk remedy used by native North Americans that has been documented as effective for removing moles, warts, and skin tags. When I say 'documented' I mean there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that the plant removes these conditions, but I didn't see peer-reviewed studies regarding the effectiveness, safety, or permanence of the treatment. That seems fairly typical for folk remedies, in part because there is no way to standardize the treatment.

The sap from the plant resembles blood. The dried root produces a paste that is gritty and reddish. Bloodroot contains a high level of chemicals called alkaloids. Examples of alkaloids you may be familiar with include caffeine from coffee and salicylic acid from willow bark (precursor of aspirin). While some alkaloids are healthful, some are extremely toxic.

Removing Moles with Bloodroot

After reading about bloodroot, I decided to try it out for myself in a very uncontrolled experiment. Basically, the treatment for moles is to cover the affected area with a damp paste or poultice of bloodroot (sometimes other ingredients are found in commercial preparations), cover the mole/wart/skin tag with a bandage, and let nature take its course. I read the speed of the treatment could be increased by exfoliating the skin with a pumice stone or by scratching it with a sterile needle.

I chose three moles, including two that were raised, and tried it out. The preparation is pretty unattractive, drying to a dark reddish brown, so if you plan to address a skin condition on your face, be aware of this. For two of the moles, I felt a mild burning sensation after applying the poultice. It wasn't unbearable or distracting. After a day, the moles had formed scabs. There was redness in the region surrounding two of the moles as well. For one test area, a scab formed over the entire area that had contacted the poultice, not just the mole.

I read some people think the treatment should be discontinued and the skin allowed to heal as soon as a scab has formed. Others recommend applying the poultice for another day or longer. Several sources say it may take up to 30 days for a mole to be removed. I took the minimalist route and discontinued applying bloodroot as soon as a scab had formed. In my case, two of the moles basically fell off after 48 hours. Both healed with a lightened area around the area where the mole had been. One mole returned, the other did not. The third mole did not form a scab after a day, and I had discontinued treatment to see how the other two would end up.

Does Bloodroot Work?

I think there is some trial-and-error involved in the bloodroot treatment, but I also think it may be a viable alternative to cryotherapy or other surgical techniques to remove a skin condition. In my opinion, it's definitely worth trying, both because it's relatively inexpensive and because you may successfully remove the condition without scarring. On the other hand, I would advise anyone considering trying bloodroot to expect burning and irritation, to realize there is a risk of infection with any treatment (surgical or non-invasive), and that scar formation is a possibility (again, with any treatment), plus there may be reactions to the substances in the plant, including an allergic reaction.

Natural Acne Remedies

Approximately 80% of female and 90% of male teenagers experience acne. However, acne isn't limited to teenagers. Many adults have acne, too. Acne is affected by factors including hormones, diet, cosmetics, medications, stress, weight, and other health conditions. It's a good idea to see a physician to rule out underlying conditions which may cause acne. Otherwise, there are highly effective natural acne treatments you can try to prevent and cure acne.

Diet

There are two ways foods affect acne. First, certain foods tend to increase susceptibility to immune or sensitivity reactions, which can worsen acne. Examples of common foods which cause reactions in many people are: chocolate, caffeine, seafood and other iodine-rich foods, carbonated beverages, dairy products, and trans-fats. It isn't that these foods cause acne, but they can increase inflammation and sebum production, plus what you eat definitely has an effect on the health of your organs, including your skin.

While some foods may contribute to acne, nutritional deficiencies worsen or cause acne. Insufficient vitamin A (or beta-carotene, from which the body can make vitamin A), zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B6 all are implicated in acne. Some people have success with dietary supplements, but basically you can correct deficiencies by increasing your servings of fruits and vegetables and varying your protein sources. You can experience acne even if you eat a well-balanced diet, but acne is one indicator of malnutrition. Herbs are another way to supply your body with trace nutrients and other healthful compounds. For example, half a teaspoon daily (up to three times of day) of an herbal extract containing equal parts sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers may help to support a healthy diet, to prevent and control acne.

Watch What Is on your Skin

You can reduce acne by avoiding skin irritation and by not clogging your pores.

• Keep your hair off of your face, shoulders, and back.
• Wash your pillowcase frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Don't squeeze pimples.
• Avoid wearing make-up or if you do wear make-up, make sure the products are non-comedogenic.

Treat your Skin

• Over-the-counter products may be highly effective at treating and preventing break-outs.
• Consider trying a face wash made for acne, but don't overwash your face. Avoid scrubbing. Overwashing or irritating your face will cause it to become inflamed and to produce more sebum.
  
  
• Applying a honey mask (apply honey, let it remain on the face for five minutes, gently rinse it off) may help minimize blemishes. Honey has antibacterial properties, yet is very gentle to the skin.

Try Whole-Body Solutions

• Massage increases circulation throughout your body, which helps to clear toxins and speeds healing of blemishes, in addition to other benefits.
  
  
• Reduce stress. Consider biofeedback, exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Calendula Infused Oil

Oil that has been infused with calendula (Calendula officinalis or pot marigold) is great for treating burns, scrapes, and itchy rashes. The flowers typically are harvested just before they burst into bloom. The infusion is easy to make.

Materials

• 1-1/2 cups (355 ml) dried calendula flowers
  
• 2 cups (474 ml) oil (e.g., olive oil, sunflower oil)
  

Instructions

• Process the flowers and oil in a blender until the mixture is smooth.
  
• Pour the mixture into a jar, cover the container, and store it in a warm location, out of direct sunlight.
  
• Shake the jar once a day for 2-3 weeks. The herbs must be submerged, so add more oil if necessary.
  
• Filter the oil using a strainer or cloth. Press the oil from the flowers. Discard the flowers.
  
• Store the oil in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.
  
• Apply the infused oil as needed to minor skin injuries (not deep lacerations).