Alnus glutinosa

Alnus glutinosa
Family:Alnus glutinosa; Alterative; Astringent; Cathartic; Emetic; Febrifuge; Galactogogue; Haemostatic; Parasiticide; Skin; Tonic; Vermifuge.
Common name:Alder
The bark is alterative astringent cathartic febrifuge and tonic. The fresh bark will cause vomiting so use dried bark for all but emetic purposes. A decoction of the dried bark is used to bathe swellings and inflammations especially of the mouth and throat. The powdered bark and the leaves have been used as an internal astringent and tonic whilst the bark has also been used as an internal and external haemostatic against haemorrhage. The dried bark of young twigs are used or the inner bark of branches 2 - 3 years old. It is harvested in the spring and dried for later use. Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces a useful wash to treat lice and a range of skin problems such as scabies and scabs. The liquid can also be used as a toothwash. The leaves are astringent galactogogue and vermifuge. They are used to help reduce breast engorgement in nursing mothers. A decoction of the leaves is used in folk remedies for treating cancer of the breast duodenum oesophagus face pylorus pancreas rectum throat tongue and uterus. The leaves are harvested in the summer and used fresh.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:02 []