|
Herbs & Supplements
Alnus glutinosa
Scientific Name: Black Alder
Other Names: Betula Alnus, Common Alder, English Alder, European Alder, Owler, Tag Alder
Should I take it?
Black alder is a smallish tree that is native to cool parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although it has been introduced in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, it does not grow well in the North American climate. Black alders often form clumps in wet areas of pastures or near swampy regions. The lightweight wood from young trees is used for carving and for making cigar boxes. Wood from older black alder trees is especially resistant to water and it has been used extensively to make water pumps, animal watering troughs, and boat docks. Several parts of the tree are used for dyes that range in color from deep red through yellow-gray. The bark was formerly used in tanning leather. For medicine, the part used is the aged bark, which has been dried and shredded or powdered.
Dosage and Administration
For medicinal use, a topical preparation may be made by boiling one teaspoon of dried, powdered black alder bark in 8 ounces of water for about 2 minutes. After the liquid is cooled and the solid particles are strained out, the liquid may be used as a mouthwash or gargle. Larger quantities may be made and used warm as a foot soak. This liquid should not be taken by mouth.
Summary
Black alder bark may be made into a liquid for a mouthwash or a foot bath.
Risks
Due to the possibility that tannins may be absorbed through mucous membranes or skin, individuals with kidney or liver conditions should not use black alder products. Pregnant or breast-feeding women and children under the age of 18 should also avoid its use.
Side Effects
Intense vomiting may result from ingesting fresh black alder bark.
Interactions
No interactions are known to occur when black alder is used as a foot soak, gargle, or mouthwash.
Last Revised November 9, 2006
|
Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
|
|
Should I take it? 
