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Alnus glutinosa Alder Deciduous tree (1 Page of 5) The Alnus glutinosa plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Betulaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alder. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. rotundifolia. Betula glutinosa. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Alnus glutinosa Common Name: Alder Family: Betulaceae Author: (L.)Gaertn. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 25 Mature Width: 10 Habitat: Wet ground in woods, near lakes and along the sides of streams[9].
Medicinal Information: Alterative, cathartic[14, 46].
The bark is astringent, febrifuge and tonic[4, 7]. The fresh bark will cause vomitting, so use dried bark for all but emetic purposes[21]. A decoction of the dried bark is used to bathe swellings and inflammations, especially of the mouth and throat[4, 9, 21, 254]. 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 hemorrhage[21]. The dried bark of young twigs are used, or the inner bark of branches 2 - 3 years old[9]. It is harvested in the spring and dried for later use[9].
Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces a useful wash to treat lice and a range of skin problems such as scabies and scabs[21]. The liquid can also be used as a toothwash[21].
The leaves are astringent, galactogogue and vermifuge[7]. They are used to help reduce breast engorgement in nursing mothers[254]. The leaves are harvested in the summer and used fresh[238].
For further Alnus glutinosa gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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