Arrowroot - Home Remedies

Arrowroot - Home Remedies

Napoleon supposedly said the reason for the British love of arrowroot was to support the commerce of their colonies. Archaeological studies in the Americas show evidence of arrowroot cultivation as early as 7,000 years ago. The name may come from  aru-aru (meal of meals) in the language of the Caribbean Arawak  people, for whom the plant was a staple. It has also been suggested that the name comes from arrowroot's use in treating poison-arrow wounds, as it draws out the poison when applied to the site of the injury. 

People use starch taken from the root and rhizome (underground stem) to make medicine. Arrowroot is used as a nutritional food for infants and for people  recovering from illness. It is also used for  stomach  and intestinal disorders, including  diarrhea. Some people sooth painful gums and sore mouth by applying arrowroot directly to the affected area. Babies cut  teeth  on arrowroot cookies and the fine powder can be use for diaper rash. In foods, arrowroot is used as an ingredient in cooking. Arrowroot is often replaced with cheaper starches, including potato, corn, wheat, or rice starch. There is some scientific evidence that arrowroot may help get rid of cholesterol  in the body. There isn?t enough information to know how it works for stomach and intestinal problems or for other uses.