Condition
Treatment Support
astringent, antibacterial
Application
tea, tincture
Alum Root
(Heuchera spp.)
Botanical Information
A small green perennial herb of shady places with rounded, toothed, basal leaves and a flowering stalk with many tiny white or pink fowers in sprays.
Working with Alum Root
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Powder, capsules.
Alum root, native to North America, has long been used in Indigenous medicine, primarily for its astringent properties. Historically, it was employed for wound healing, to treat diarrhea, and as a remedy for sore throats and ulcers due to its ability to contract tissue and control bleeding.
Today, herbalists and naturopaths use alum root mainly as an astringent and anti-inflammatory for conditions like hemorrhoids, minor cuts, and skin irritations. It’s also occasionally used as a gargle for sore throats. Alum root is valued for these applications because of its tannin-rich profile.
The primary active compounds in alum root are tannins, especially gallotannins and ellagitannins, which are responsible for its astringent effects. Other compounds, such as flavonoids, add anti-inflammatory benefits. These tannins have been shown to contract tissues, reduce secretions, and exhibit antimicrobial activity.
There is limited clinical research specifically on alum root, though its tannin constituents have been studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. More research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical settings, especially for internal use.
Alum root remains a popular astringent in herbal medicine, valued for its traditional and topical applications. While modern research is limited, its tannin-rich profile underpins its use as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Dr. Christopher Hobbs.
Alum root has a taste of ASTRINGENT, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Alum root is generally considered safe when used topically or in small, diluted doses. However, ingestion in large amounts may irritate the digestive system due to high tannin content. Topical preparations, such as poultices, are commonly used, while internal dosages are typically low—around 1–3 grams per day in teas or tinctures.
Conditions treated with Alum Root
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent, antiviral
Application
tincture, tea gargle
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
