Definition of Astringent:

These contract muscular fiber by direct irritation (local), and condense other tissues by precipitating the albumin and gelatin (remote). E.g.:

  1. Mineral: salts of silver, copper, lead, zinc, bismuth, and aluminum.
  2. Vegetable: tannic and gallic acids, nutgall, white oak, geranium, gambir, catechu, kino, krameria, haematoxylon, hamamelis, red rose, uva ursi
[Culbreth1927, pg 39].

Astringents are those remedies which, when applied to the body, render the solids dense and firmer [Brown1878; Meyer1932].

Usually brought about by the actions of tannins which “curdle” (by coagulation) protein molecules, causing a binding or constricting action, and, in effect, produces a “leather coat” on mucous membranes and exposed tissue surface. Useful to check hemorrhage and excess secretions [Sanchez BOTM680].

Drying action. Usually caused by tannins. Tightens the cellular junctions, improves integrity of tissues, reduces excess secretions, reduces inflammation [anonymous].

Tones, assists in healing [Palmer2004].

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