Red Root / New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Red Root is a premier lymphatic herb in North American Indigenous and Eclectic medicine. The vivid red root contains ceanothine alkaloids and ceanothic acid that stimulate lymphatic drainage, support the spleen, and modulate immune function. Particularly relevant in cancer care because many cancers spread via lymphatic routes — lymphatic support is central to integrative oncology protocols. Used by Cherokee healers for tumours, swollen lymph nodes, and liver disease. Modern herbalists use it to support detoxification pathways and lymph node health during chemotherapy.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
Root bark tincture: 2–4 ml in water, 3 times daily. Root bark tea: 1 tsp dried root bark simmered 15 minutes in 250 ml water, drink 2–3 cups daily.
Preparations
Root Bark Decoction
1 tsp dried Red Root bark in 2 cups water, simmer (do not boil hard) for 15–20 minutes. Strain and drink 2–3 cups throughout the day. Slightly astringent, earthy flavour.
Tincture (1:5 in 40% alcohol)
2–3 ml in a small amount of water, 3 times daily. The tincture is traditional in Eclectic and Native American medicine as a lymphatic and spleen tonic.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Avoid with anticoagulant medications — contains blood-thinning coumarins
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- May interact with lithium (increases renal clearance)
- Harvest only the bark, not the heartwood — excess harvesting can kill the plant
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.