Alder cut bark – Alnus glutinosa

A wetland species, black alder is a pioneer tree found along riverbanks and marshy areas. Its bark is rich in tannins and was once used to tan hides and treat water. Its medicinal use is ancient and relies on simple decoction preparations.

Description

Fragments of brown to dark brown bark, fibrous and slightly rough texture. Woody and earthy odor. Boil to release the active ingredients. Do not consume raw or as a simple infusion.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Black alder, glutinous alder
• Latin name: Alnus glutinosa
• Family: Betulaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, wetlands and marshes
• English name: Alder bark
• German name: Schwarzerlenrinde
• Name in Spanish: Corteza de aliso
• Name in Italian: Corteccia di ontano
• Name in Arabic: لحاء الألدر (Lihāʾ al-Aldar)

Main virtues

Alder bark is traditionally used for its astringent, purifying, and protective effects. It is used in gargles, mouthwashes, foot baths, and local compresses.

Main constituents

Catechin tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, gallic acid, phenolic acids.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of water, boil for 10 to 15 minutes, use lukewarm.
• Gargle or mouthwash: 2 to 3 times a day.
• Compresses: soak a clean cloth in warm filtered decoction and apply locally.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• For external or local use only.
• Not recommended for internal use without supervision.
• Do a skin test before application in case of sensitive skin.

History and origin

Alder has long been considered a protective tree of wetlands. Its bark, once used in vegetable dyes and tanning, is also featured in folk medicine manuals to treat local inflammations. Druids also attributed it a symbolic role of transition and purification.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a dry place, in a closed jar away from light.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box, tinted glass jar.
• Appearance: brown, fibrous bark chips.
• Smell: woody, fresh and earthy.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of European folk medicine
• Ethnobotany of riparian trees
• Ancient texts on the uses of alder in dyeing and herbalism

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