> Supplement Index > Alder / Alnus glutinosa / Black Alder / Common Alder/ English Alder / Fever Bush / Owler / Winter Berry > Alder General Information Alder Uses & Scientific Evidence For Alder Dosage Information Alder Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Alder General Information The Alder tree resists wet rot and is virtually indestructible. The piles on which the famed Rialto section of Venice and the city of Amsterdam stand are made from Alder. For centuries, herbalists used the bark and leaves in brews for use as an astringent in reducing fevers and inflammations, and as a quinine substitute. The red, or Oregon Alder looks like its European cousin and has similar properties. Alders have nitrogen-fixing bacteria that take over their roots which enrich the soil. It also has astringent, bitter tonic, emetic, hemostatic, mucilaginous, cathartic, and alterative properties. The leaves and branches have pesticidal qualities. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Alder Uses & Scientific Evidence For Alder is most often used as a mouthwash and gargle for tooth, gum, and throat problems, though it is also used to stop internal and external bleeding. The powdered bark and leaves work well as a tonic. Externally, an Alder bark bath can reduce swellings and inflammations. Boiling the inner bark with vinegar and rubbing on the body kills lice and mites. It is also used to help treat scabies, psoriasis, shingles, impetigo, pruritis, and scrofula. Swiss farmers use the leaves in a poultice for treating rheumatism and in Spain, the leaves are placed on the soles of the feet to relieve aching. It has also been said that applying Alder leaves to the breasts will relieve engorgement in nursing mothers. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Alder Dosage Information Alder comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Alder Safety & Interaction Information Due to Alder’s emetic property it does cause vomiting, and therefore, caution should be used when taking it internally. Due to Alder’s strong actions, if you are on other medications, it is best to consult with your physician before using this herb for the treatment of your condition. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -