Botanical: Geranium maculatum Family: Geraniaceae (geranium) Other common names: Cranesbill, Spotted Cranesbill, Geranium, Wild Geranium, Spotted Geranium, Dovefoot, Tormentil, Storksbill, Wild Cranesbill, Crowfoot, American Kino Root, Old Maid's Nightcap, Shameface, Alum Bloom A powerful astringent and antiseptic, Alum Root has been used for centuries in the treatment of diarrhea and hemorrhage, including bleeding gums after tooth extraction and excessive menstruation. Excellent when used in treating internal piles and hemorrhoids. Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Vitamin Depot Online.com is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider. History: Centuries ago, Native American healers knew that the root of the wild geranium (Alum Root) would calm an inflamed intestinal tract and treat diarrhea. Alum Root is a perennial plant that is native to North America, especially in the woodlands of the eastern half. The stout, horizontal rootstock (the medicinal part) produces a hairy stem, which grows to a height of two feet, as well as leaves and attractive rose-purple flowers, which bloom from April to July. Native Americans used Alum Root as an eyewash and applied it to sores, open wounds and swollen feet. The Chippewas employed it as a remedy for sores inside the mouth, especially in children, and many tribes ate the young leaves of the plant. The early settlers learned of the many effective medicinal qualities of Alum Root from the Native Americans, and by the nineteenth century, a physician remarked that the root was "a very popular domestic remedy" that was widely in use as an astringent for diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhaging. Alum Root was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1916. To this day herbalists recommend the underground rootstem for many of those same medicinal purposes, and it is still used both internally and externally for its astringent qualities. Some of the constituents in Alum Root include tannic, citric and gallic acid, starch, sugar, gum, oleoresin, pectin, anthocyanins and calcium oxalate Beneficial Uses: When used internally, it is an excellent treatment for hemorrhage, diarrhea, nosebleeds and profuse menstruation. The root contains a high concentration of tannins that act as a powerful astringent, which are said to be effective against diarrhea, cholera and dysentery. When ingested, Alum Root is an old and reliable treatment for internal piles and hemorrhoids. Taken internally, Alum Root has a potent healing effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract and has been used as an excellent treatment against pus and mucus in the bladder and intestines or, in fact, mucous discharges from any part of the body. It is helpful in reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes, curbs irritation of hemorrhoidal tissue and promotes venous health. Used externally, it is a powerful blood coagulant: The dry powder sprinkled on a wound or cut will stop bleeding immediately. (Barbers have used it as a styptic for years to stop razor cuts.) As a mouthwash, Alum Root will aid in the relief of mouth sores, sore throat and bleeding gums. Alum Root has been used to treat ulcers and has also been found helpful in fighting the bacteria in tuberculosis. Recommended Dosage: Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes. Contraindications: This herb is not recommended for long-term use, as excessive use may cause liver damage. Capsule Size: We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. (click here for size comparison) Alum Root - Botanical Powder -- Approximately 600 mg. each.