|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contents:
Common Names
Parts Usually Used
Plant(s) & Culture
Where Found
Medicinal Properties
Biochemical Information Legends, Myths and Stories
Uses
Formulas or Dosages
Warning
Bibliography
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Names
Alum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
