Medicinal Plants : Alnus serrulata

Name

Smooth Alder

Biological Name

Alnus serrulata

Other Names

Hazel alder, smooth alder

Description

Smooth alder is a shrub or tree with blackish bark that is lightly speckled with small, grayish to orange lenticels. Its leaves are elliptic to obovate, finely serrate and usually fine-haired underneath. It can be found from Nova Scotia to Oklahoma, Florida, and Louisiana.

Parts Used

bark, leaves

Remedies For

Astringent, bitter, emetic, haemostatic

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 haemostatic 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 I 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.