Alumroot
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
Historical herbalists administered a tea made from the leaves for diarrhea, dysentery, and piles, and recommended it as a gargle for sore throats. The plant was also traditionally utilized for gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and dry bilious vomiting, as well as an external wash for leukorrhea and vaginitis. Additionally, practitioners applied poultices of the root to wounds, sores, and abrasions.
Warning
Excessive use can cause gastric irritation and kidney and liver failure.
Bibliography
, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Copyright 1988, published 1992 Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, first printed by the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, in 1928, this Dover edition 1974 The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H.
Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.