Red Root

The Lymphatic Cleanser & Inner Flow Balancer

Red Root (Ceanothus americanus), also known as New Jersey Tea, is a grounding herbal powerhouse cherished in traditional herbalism for its ability to support lymphatic flow, circulation, and detoxification. Its rich, reddish hue mirrors its purpose — revitalizing the blood and cleansing the body’s inner river systems. Known for promoting balance and resilience, Red Root helps the body’s natural elimination pathways flow freely, making it an essential ally for anyone seeking deep internal renewal.

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🌸 Common Uses

• Supports lymphatic and spleen health

• Encourages detoxification by promoting healthy circulation

• Aids in clearing stagnation, swelling, or sluggish immune response

• Used to tone blood and encourage oxygenation

• Traditionally used for swollen glands, tonsils, or sinus congestion

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🍵 How to Use

Best As a Decoction (Root Tea):

Red Root is best prepared as a simmered tea to draw out its grounding and cleansing constituents.

Preparation:

• Serving Size: 1–2 teaspoons dried root per 1 cup of water

• Water Temperature: Bring to a simmer (~200°F)

• Simmer Time: 15–20 minutes, covered

• Strain & Serve: Enjoy warm, up to 2 cups per day

• Flavor Profile: Deeply earthy, slightly astringent, with subtle sweetness

Other Ways to Use:

• Tincture: 1–2 droppers in water or tea, 1–2 times daily

• Topical Use: May be used in poultices for swollen lymph nodes or inflamed areas (external use only)

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🌱 Benefits

• Lymphatic Support: Promotes proper lymph drainage and immune function

• Blood Cleanser: Helps remove stagnation and supports natural detox pathways

• Spleen & Liver Function: Tones and strengthens key detox organs

• Circulatory Flow: Enhances oxygenation and nutrient transport

• Immune Resilience: Encourages balance during colds, congestion, or inflammation

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⚠️ Risks & Precautions

• Strongly Toning: Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Avoid Overuse: Prolonged or excessive consumption can overly dry tissues

• Medication Interactions: May interfere with anticoagulant or blood pressure medications — consult your healthcare provider

• Sensitive Individuals: Those with very low blood pressure or severe anemia should use caution

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🌍 Who Should Consider Taking It?

• Individuals with sluggish lymphatic systems or water retention

• Those recovering from illness or seeking immune balance

• People experiencing swollen glands, puffiness, or internal congestion

• Herbal wellness seekers wanting to cleanse and re-energize naturally

🚫 Who Shouldn’t?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Those with low blood pressure or on blood-thinning medication

• Individuals with dehydration or “dry heat” body constitutions

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🌿 Holistic Notes & Pairing Suggestions

Red Root blends beautifully with complementary cleansing and circulatory herbs:

• Burdock Root: Deep blood and liver detoxification

• Nettle Leaf: Restores minerals and supports the kidneys

• Calendula: Encourages gentle lymphatic movement

• Dandelion Root: Enhances liver and digestive support

• Echinacea: Strengthens immune system while Red Root clears congestion

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✨ Suggested Ritual:

Sip a cup of Red Root tea during your evening wind-down or after a deep lymphatic massage or sauna session. As you drink, visualize your body’s inner rivers clearing, carrying away stagnation, and restoring vibrant flow and renewal.