Red Root

🌿 Red Root (Ceanothus americanus)

Also known as: New Jersey Tea • Wild Snowball • Mountain Sweet • Red Shank • Red Paint Root
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Origin: United States
Parts Used: Root
Primary Use: Lymphatic Cleanser • Blood & Immune Tonic • Detoxification Support

✨ Description

Red Root is a wildcrafted North American herb cherished by herbalists for its deep cleansing, restorative energy. Found growing in dry woodlands and open fields, Ceanothus americanus earned the name “New Jersey Tea” during the American Revolution, when it was brewed as a caffeine-free substitute for black tea.

The root’s distinctive brick-red hue and earthy, resinous aroma reveal its powerful grounding properties. It is best known as a lymphatic tonic, supporting the body’s natural ability to filter, drain, and clear waste from tissues and blood.

In modern herbal practice, Red Root is featured in deep-cleansing blends for autoimmune balance, liver detoxification, and immune support, as it helps move stagnation from the lymph and spleen while strengthening circulation and vitality.

🍵 Internal Uses & Benefits

• Lymphatic Cleanser: Stimulates and clears the lymph system, reducing congestion and swelling.
• Immune Support: Strengthens spleen function and encourages white blood cell activity.
• Blood Purifier: Aids in detoxification by filtering waste from the bloodstream.
• Respiratory Aid: Traditionally used to soothe sore throats and ease mucus buildup.
• Autoimmune Support: Featured in our 7 Herbs Autoimmune Protocol for cleansing and balance.

How to Use:

• Tea (Decoction): Simmer 1 tsp of root in 1 cup of water for 15–20 minutes. Drink 1–2 cups daily.
• Tincture: Take 20–40 drops in water, up to 3 times daily.
• Powder/Capsule: 500–1000 mg per serving as a tonic supplement.

Pairs Well With:

• Goldenseal Root or Burdock Root – for immune and liver support.
• Echinacea Root – for lymphatic and immune cleansing.
• Dandelion Root – for gentle detox and liver synergy.

💧 External Uses

Red Root can be infused into oils or compresses for use over swollen lymph nodes, chest congestion, or minor bruising. Its astringent nature helps tighten and tone tissues when used in poultices or body wraps.

🌬️ Smoking & Aromatic Use

Not recommended for smoking. Its dense, resinous quality makes it best suited for decoctions, tinctures, or poultices rather than aromatic use.

🐾 For Pets

In holistic veterinary practices, Red Root tea is occasionally used under supervision to support lymphatic drainage in dogs with sluggish detox pathways. Always consult a holistic vet before use.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Element: Earth & Fire
Chakra Alignment: Root & Solar Plexus

Energetically, Red Root is the herb of deep release, grounding, and purification.
It works to move stagnation from both body and energy field, clearing old emotional buildup just as it clears toxins from the blood. Red Root restores balance to those who feel heavy, fatigued, or energetically blocked.

In spiritual cleansing rituals, it’s often brewed with herbs like Myrrh, Burdock, or Hyssop to release negative energy and encourage cellular renewal.

Affirmation:

“I cleanse deeply and rise renewed — grounded, strong, and clear.”

🌾 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Red Root is wildcrafted in the United States from naturally thriving woodland plants. The roots are harvested in the autumn when their energy is concentrated, then air-dried and hand-cut to preserve their rich color and potency.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

• Taste: Earthy, astringent, slightly bitter, and resinous.
• Energetic Profile: Warming, grounding, cleansing, and restorative.

⚠️ Warnings

• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• May interfere with blood-thinning medications or anticoagulants.
• Best used in cycles (2–4 weeks on, then pause for 1–2 weeks).
• Consult your herbalist or healthcare provider before use in autoimmune or lymphatic conditions.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Red Root is a silent purifier — not aggressive or draining, but deliberate and thorough.
When I work with clients experiencing autoimmune or lymphatic imbalance, Red Root often becomes their ally in restoring balance. It teaches the body to flow again, both physically and energetically, clearing stagnation and reigniting inner strength.

“True cleansing begins when you release what you no longer need.”