Betulaceae Alterative Speckled alder

Betulaceae Alterative Speckled alder
Family:Betulaceae Alterative; Anodyne; Astringent; Cathartic; Emetic; Febrifuge; Odontalgic; Ophthalmic; Stomachic; Tonic.
Common name:Speckled alder
The speckled alder was quite widely used medicinally by the native North American Indians who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little used in modern herbalism. The bark is alterative astringent emetic laxative ophthalmic stomachic and tonic. The bark contains salicin which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge. The root bark was mixed with molasses and used in the treatment of toothache. A decoction of the inner bark was used as a wash for sore eyes. The outer bark is astringent and is applied as a poultice to bleeding wounds it also reduces swellings.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:45 []