Red root (Ceanothus americanus), also known as New Jersey tea, is a shrub native to eastern North America. Indigenous peoples used red root for its medicinal properties long before European settlers arrived.
The root was traditionally used to treat respiratory infections, sore throats, and as a general tonic. During the American Revolutionary War, red root leaves were used as a substitute for imported tea, hence the name New Jersey tea.
The plant contains tannins and alkaloids, which contribute to its astringent and expectorant properties. In modern herbal medicine, red root is valued for its lymphatic system support and its ability to improve respiratory and digestive health.
