Both the common name and the genus name refer to the blood-red juice in the roots. It is a member of the poppy family, which blooms early in spring, before its leaves appear. Flowers March- June. Today, components of the root are used in minute amounts in commercial toothpaste and mouthwashes to fight plaque.

Used to Treat:
Anemia, burns, cancer, chronic bronchitis, cough, croup, common cold, eczema, fever, eye ailments, heart and kidney ailment hemorrhoids, liver and nose ailments, pneumonia venereal ailments, tuberculosis, skin fungus and ailments.

Slippery Elm has the ability to neutralize stomach acidity and to absorb gases. It aids in the digestion of milk. This herb acts as a buffer against irritations and inflammations of the mucous membranes. It has the ability to remove mucus with stronger force than other plants. It assists the adrenal glands by helping boost cortisone production. This helps send a stream of blood-building substances throughout the system. Slippery elm draws out impurities and heals all parts of the body. It is very useful for the respiratory system. Externally it is an excellent helper for burns, skin cancers, poison ivy, and wounds. It contains vitamins E, F, K and P. It also contains iron, sodium, calcium, selenium, iodine, copper, zinc and some potassium and phosphorus.

GROWING: Slippery elm is a deciduous tree that grows 40-60 feet tall. It needs full sun and good soils. It is found from Canada to Florida, west to the Dakotas and Texas.
The inner bark of the slippery elm is white, mildly scented, and very mucilaginous (“slippery”). It is the portion used for healing, and is considered edible. 

Burdock is an excellent blood purifier. It promotes kidney function to help clear the blood of harmful acids. It can reduce swelling around joints and help reduce calcification deposits. Burdock contains anywhere from 27 to 45 percent inulin, a form of starch, which is the source of most of its curative powers. Inulin is important in the carbohydrate metabolism. Burdock is rich in vitamin C and iron. It is 12% protein, 70 % carbohydrate, contains some vitamin A, E, P, and B-complex, PABA, and small amounts of sulfur, silicone, copper, iodine and zinc.

Sheep-sorrel is a slender, smooth, sour-tasting perennial, 4-12 inches high. It is found in acid soils. Leaf tea of this common European alien traditionally used for fevers, inflammation, and scurvy. Fresh leaves considered cooling, diuretic. Leaves poultice (after roasting) is used for tumors and wens (sebaceous cysts).  Sorrel plants have been a folk remedy for cancer for centuries both in Europe and America.  Sheep sorrel has been observed by researchers to break down tumors, and to alleviate some chronic conditions and degenerative diseases.
Sheep sorrel contains many vitamins and minerals, one in particular; chlorophyll carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream.  Cancer cells do not live in the presence of oxygen.  It also:

·        Reduces the damage of radiation burns
·        Increases resistance to X-rays
·        Improves the vascular system
·        Aids in the removal of foreign deposits from the walls of the blood vessels.
·        Purifies the liver, stimulates the growth of new tissue
·        Raises the oxygen level of the tissue cell