HomeHerb DatabaseAlum Thursday, March 28, 2024  
Herb Database  
Search eMedicinal.com

Advanced Search
Herb Database
Top 10 Herbs Searched For
1. Jordan Almond
2. Linden Flower
3. Saw Palmetto
4. Aloe Vera
5. Ginseng
6. Black Cohosh
7. Bilberry
8. Feverfew
9. He shou wu
10. St. John's Wort

Herbs From Home!
Sign up for our herbal newsletter!
  Name:
  Email:
Send Page To a Friend!
Share the wealth of herbal knowledge! Please click below to send this page to your friends!

Alumroot

  • Heuchera americana L.
  • Saxifragaceae
  • Saxifrage family



Common Names

herbsAlum


Parts Usually Used

Root, leaves


Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Alumroot is a perennial that grows to 1-3 feet; the leaves are toothed, roundish to somewhat maple-shaped, base heart-shaped. The flowers are small, greenish white, on short stalks; April to June. Another variety: Another plant called alum root (Geranium maculatum) is also called storksbill, but in fact has no relation to Heuchera americana.


Where Found

Woods, shaded rocks. Southern Ontario, Connecticut to Georgia; Oklahoma to Michigan.


Medicinal Properties

Styptic, astringent


Biochemical Information

9 to 20% tannins and various unidentified substances


Legends, Myths and Stories

Not to be confused with cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) often called alumroot.

Native American uses: Alum root (Heuchera glabella) the Blackfeet called "Apos I poco," the root was steeped for eye-wash. Another plant, (Huechera parvifolia), also called alum root, the root was pounded up and used wet to apply to sores and swellings.


Uses

Leaf tea used for diarrhea, dysentery, piles; gargled for sore throat. Root poulticed on wounds, sores, abrasions. Good for gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and dry bilious vomiting, douche for leukorrhea, vaginitis.


Formulas or Dosages

For dysentery, a cup of infusion may be taken every 2 hours until the symptoms have stopped. No more than 15-20 gms. of the powdered root should be taken at a time.


Warning

Excessive use can cause gastric irritation and kidney and liver failure.

HomeForumHerbal LinksNewsletterSearch About UsContact Us
© 1997-2005 eMedicinal.com | Privacy Policy | Caution Disclaimer | Sitemap
Sign up for our newsletter or recommend us today!