Sanguinaria is a homeopathic remedy made from bloodroot, a North American woodland plant. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with right-sided headaches that settle over the right eye, burning heat and flushing, headaches linked with hormonal changes, and a sensitivity to heat and strong odours.
This page covers the plant Sanguinaria comes from, its classic homeopathic indications, the characteristic right-sided picture, and the forms and potencies it appears in.
The short version: A bloodroot remedy traditionally linked with right-sided headaches over the right eye, with burning heat and flushing.
What is Sanguinaria and where does it come from?
The remedy is prepared from Sanguinaria canadensis, or bloodroot, a spring wildflower of eastern North America named for the red-orange sap in its root. The root is used to make the mother tincture, which is then potentised through repeated dilution and succussion into the finished homeopathic remedy.
What is Sanguinaria traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Its keynotes in homeopathic literature centre on right-sidedness and burning heat. Traditional associations include:
- Right-sided headaches that begin at the back of the head and settle over the right eye.
- Headaches that build and ease with the sun, sometimes periodic in the classic picture.
- Burning heat and flushing of the cheeks, hands and feet.
- Sensitivity to strong odours, light and noise during a headache.
- Symptoms linked with hormonal shifts, including flushes of heat.
Who typically reaches for Sanguinaria?
The characteristic picture centres on the right side of the body, especially right-sided headaches that arc over the day and settle behind the right eye, often with burning heat, flushed cheeks and hot hands and feet. People matching the remedy tend to feel worse from heat, light and strong smells, and may seek quiet and dark. There is frequently a periodic quality and a link with times of hormonal change.
Sanguinaria is one of many classical single remedies. You can browse the wider selection at our full collection.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Sanguinaria is typically available as tablets, pillules or liquid drops, and as mother tincture. For general self-care it is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C, with higher potencies usually chosen alongside a practitioner.
Common questions
What is Sanguinaria used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with right-sided headaches that settle over the right eye, burning heat and flushing, sensitivity to odours and headaches linked with hormonal change.
What plant is Sanguinaria made from?
It is prepared from bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, a North American woodland plant with red-orange sap in its root.
What potency of Sanguinaria is commonly used?
Low potencies such as 6C or 30C are common for self-care; higher potencies are usually chosen with professional guidance.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a tradition of self-care and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, please speak to a qualified health professional.