Medicinal Plants : Alnus glutinosa

Name

Black Alder

Biological Name

Alnus glutinosa

Other Names

European alder, owle, black alder

Description

Black alder is a deciduous tree up to 80 feet high, growing in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and locally in North America. It is found in cooler regions, forming dense stands around swamps and along streams and rivers. The alternate leaves of black alder are round, usually doubly serrate, and scalloped. The flowers are segregated by sex into separate catkins. The female flowers are reddish-purple. They develop into hard cones that contain the seeds.

Parts Used

bark, leaves

Remedies For

Astringent, bitter, emetic, hemostatic

Fresh alder bark will cause vomiting, so use dried bark except for emetic purposes.

A decoction of the bark makes a good gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis. The powdered bark and the leaves have been used as an internal astringent and tonic, and the bark also as an internal and external hemostatic against hemorrhage. Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces a useful external wash for lice and for skin problems such as scabies and scabs. It can be used to clean your teeth.

Dosage

Decoction: Boil I tsp. bark or leaves in 1 cup water. For internal use, take 1 to 2 cups a day, in mouthful doses.

Tincture: A dose is from 1/2 to 1 tsp.

Powder: A dose is from 8 to 12 grains.

Safety

Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.