Botanical atlas

American Alum Root

Heuchera americana

Long before it found its way into shade gardens, American alum root was a working plant in the medicine bundles of Cherokee, Iroquois, and other Native American healers, who dug its thick, puckery root for its powerful astringent bite. Steeped into a strong decoction, the root was used traditionally as a gargle for sore throats and mouth sores, and as a wash for wounds, burns, and hemorrhoids, valued for its tightening, drying effect on tissue. Early American settlers picked up the practice too, brewing the root into remedies for diarrhea and using the same puckering decoction on cuts and scrapes when nothing else was on hand. Its name says it all: taste the raw root and you will understand instantly why it was likened to alum, the old pickling and dyeing mineral prized for the same mouth-drying astringency.

Safety.

American alum root has not been documented as toxic, but its very high tannin content means it should be used sparingly and only for short periods; too much can cause stomach upset or interfere with the body's absorption of certain nutrients and medications. It is best kept to external washes and occasional gargles rather than regular internal use, and traditional decoctions should never be swallowed in the case of a gargle. Safety data is lacking for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and use in young children, so it is wise to avoid it during those times. As with any traditional remedy, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using American alum root, especially alongside other medications.