Alnus Glutinosa - Herbal

Herbal

The bark possesses curative, cathartic, astringent, antipyretic and stimulant or tonic properties. Ingesting the fresh bark may cause nausea and vomiting; hence it is advisable to use dried bark for emetic purposes. Usually, the dehydrated bark of young branches or the inside barks of branches that are about two to three years old are used for therapeutic purposes. Normally, the bark is collected during the spring, dried and then stored for later use.

The dehydrated and powdered form of alder bark is widely used as a constituent of toothpaste, mouthwash and gargle. Many people even chew sticks prepared from the bark as tooth cleaners. A decoction prepared with the bark has a drying action and is useful for tightening the mucous membranes as well as alleviating inflammation. This decoction may also be used to stop internal and external bleeding, and to cure injuries. This decoction is said to heal ague (a fit of shivering or shaking). A medication prepared with the leaves is also an effective wash for scabies. People in Spain curve the leaves of the alder and put them on the soles of aching feet. Herbalists often recommend the alder leaves for nursing mothers to help reduce breast inflammations.

Alpine farmers are said to use the alder leaves to alleviate rheumatism by placing a heated bag full of leaves on the affected areas. Alder leaves are consumed by cows, sheep, goats and horses. However, swine refuse to eat them. According to some people, consumption of alder leaves is harmful to horses, causing blackening of the tongue.

The inside bark boiled in vinegar is effective to eliminate lice as well as treat an assortment of skin conditions, for instance scabs and scabies. The leaves of the alder have astringent properties and are useful as galactagogue (helps in increasing milk yield in humans and animals) and anthelmintic. A decoction prepared with the alder leaves forms an excellent medication to treat breast inflammations in nursing mothers. According to records, ancient herbalists also recommended a decoction of the alder leaves to cure cancer of the face, throat, tongue, duodenum, esophagus, breast, rectum, pancreas, pylorus and uterus. The alder leaves are collected during the summer and always used fresh.