Evidence supporting the use of: Red root (unspecified)
For the health condition: Carbuncles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Red root is a common name for several herbs, most notably Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea) in North American herbalism. Its use in treating carbuncles—painful clusters of boils caused by bacterial infection—stems primarily from traditional herbal practices rather than scientific validation. Historically, Native American tribes and later Western herbalists used red root as a poultice or decoction for various skin issues, including carbuncles, boils, and ulcers, attributing to it astringent and blood-purifying properties. However, these uses are based on anecdotal reports and traditional knowledge rather than clinical trials or pharmacological studies.
To date, there is limited scientific research on red root's efficacy for treating skin infections such as carbuncles. While some in vitro studies have identified mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory constituents in Ceanothus species, these findings are preliminary and do not establish clinical effectiveness. No rigorous human trials or systematic reviews support its use specifically for carbuncles. Therefore, the rationale for using red root in this context is largely traditional, with little direct scientific backing.
Other ingredients used for Carbuncles
Activated charcoalAloe vera
bасора
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
forsythia
goldenseal
gotu kola
horseradish
lavender
magnesium
mustard seed
purified silver
scrophularia root
vitamin C
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
neem tree
nut grass
commiphora
blackboard tree
boxthorne
siler root
St. John's Wort
stillingia
Ash
Avens
Anthraquinone
Achyranthes
Anamu
Ampelopsis
Arisaema
Balsam
Boswellia
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Calendula
Cod Liver Oil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Chrysophanics
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Echinacea
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Fomes fomentarius
Gnaphalium
Garlic
Giant Blazingstar
Gallotannin
Honey
Heal-All
Huang Hua
Isatis
Indian Kinotree
Kokilaksha
Lebbek
Lodhtree
Mountain Pepper
Marigold
Microcos
Nimbidin
Oxystelma
Propolis
Paris polyphylla
Peucedanum
Patrinia
Quisqualis
Resin
Ricinoleic acid
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Smartweed
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Stereospermum
Sulfur
Thymus
Tea Tree Oil
Thiosulfinate
Varuna
Violet
Other health conditions supported by Red root (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Cholera
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Cuts
Debility
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache