Alder Medicinal Uses: A Hidden Gem
Alder medicinal uses: Do you already have alder in your herbal apothecary?
Alder thrives in wetlands, along riverbanks, and in woodlands, playing a vital role in nature.
It helps filter water, prevent soil erosion, and provides essential habitats for wildlife.
But did you know that alder also offers impressive medicinal benefits?
From soothing inflammation to aiding wound healing, alder is a hidden gem in herbal medicine.
In this guide to alder medicinal uses, we will explore its healing properties, key active compounds, foraging tips, and preparation methods.
Read to the end for some fascinating “fun facts” about alder, including its historical use in folk medicine.
Let’s go!
Leaves of Common Alder, Alnus glutinosa:
Scientific and Common Names:
Alnus spp.
The most common species of alder in the UK is Alnus glutinosa1 (Common Alder/Black Alder), which is the only alder tree native to the UK.
In the United States, the most common alder tree species is the Alnus rubra2 (Red Alder), particularly prevalent in the Pacific Northwest.
All species of alder tree have similar medicinal properties.
Red alder wood and inner bark turns a vibrant red when cut and dried:
Alder Medicinal Uses
1. Natural Antibacterial and Wound Healing
Alder medicinal uses: Alder is known for its powerful antibacterial and astringent properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for wounds and infections.
The bark contains tannins and salicylic acid, which help cleanse wounds, reduce swelling, and speed up healing.
As an external wash, alder decoction can also be used to kill lice and soothe skin conditions such as scabies and psoriasis.
How Alder Helps with Wound Healing:
- Acts as a natural antiseptic to prevent infection
- Promotes tissue repair and skin regeneration
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
How to Use Alder for Skin and Wound Healing:
- Alder Bark Poultice: Grind or chew fresh alder bark into a paste and apply it to minor cuts, scrapes, or burns
- Alder Infused Oil: Infuse alder bark in olive oil and use it as a natural skin-healing remedy
- Alder Wash: Make a strong decoction of alder bark (simmer 1/2 tspns dried bark per cup of hot water for over 20 minutes), cool, and use it as a wound rinse
Alnus glutinosa female cones and male catkins:
2. Alder for Sore Throats and Oral Health
Alder’s astringent properties make it a go-to remedy for sore throats, gum infections, and mouth ulcers.
Alder’s Benefits for Throat and Mouth Health:
- Soothes sore throats and swollen tonsils
- Helps heal mouth ulcers and gum infections
- Reduces bacteria and inflammation in the mouth
How to Use Alder for Oral Health:
- Alder Gargle: Make a decoction of alder bark and use it as a mouthwash
- Alder Tincture: Dilute alder tincture in water and swish for gum health
Green female cones of Alnus glutinosa:
3. Digestive Support and Gut Health
Alder has a long history of use in digestive health.
It helps ease diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Boiling the inner bark in vinegar is an effective worm medicine and can be used in children.
How Alder Supports Digestion:
- Soothes irritated intestines
- Helps stop diarrhea naturally
- Aids in gut microbiome balance
How to Use Alder for Digestive Issues:
- Alder Bark Tea: Drink a mild alder infusion for stomach discomfort
- Alder Powder: Dry and grind alder bark into a powder and mix into warm water
A peaceful glade of Common Alder trees, Alnus glutinosa:
4. Fever Reduction and Immune Support
Alder has traditionally been used as a natural febrifuge (fever reducer).
Its ability to stimulate sweating helps the body cool down and fight infections.
How Alder Supports Immune Health:
- Encourages sweating to break fevers
- Supports the body’s natural defences against infections
- Provides antibacterial and antiviral properties
How to Use Alder for Fever and Immune Support:
- Alder Infusion: Drink warm alder tea during fevers
- Alder Bath: Add alder bark decoction to bathwater to encourage sweating
Alnus glutinosa, common alder, tree profile:
Foraging Notes
Habitat and Growing Conditions
Alder trees thrive in wet environments and are commonly found in:
- Riverbanks and lakesides
- Marshes and wetlands
- Woodland edges and damp forests
When to Harvest
- Bark: Spring or early autumn from fallen or pruned branches
- Leaves: Young leaves in spring for fresh use
- Catkins: Late winter or early spring before they mature
Key Identifiers
- Leaves: Oval with serrated edges. The leaves of Alnus glutinosa are rounded, dark green above with a paler underside, and have a slightly sticky texture due to tiny glandular hairs, with toothed edges and a characteristic inward notch at the end
Alnus glutinosa leaves often have an inward notch at the end:
- Bark: Smooth and grey when young, becoming fissured with age
Mature bark of Alnus glutinosa:
- Catkins: The catkins of Alnus glutinosa are cylindrical, hanging in clusters, and typically appear in early spring, with male catkins being longer and dangling, while female catkins are shorter and cone-like
Male and female catkins of Alnus glutinosa:
Culinary Uses
While alder is more commonly used medicinally, some creative foragers use alder bark and catkins in food preparation.
Ways to Use Alder in Cooking:
- Alder-Smoked Foods: Alder wood is a popular choice for smoking fish, especially salmon, due to its delicate, slightly sweet, and balanced flavour profile
- Alder Catkins: Some Native American and First Nations Peoples have been known to use red alder catkins as a survival food. They are high in protein, with a slightly nutty taste and varying levels of bitterness, sometimes unpalatable. Boiled red alder catkins have been said to taste like corn and potatoes3
Alder bark tea:
Classification
Taxonomy
Alder belongs to the Betulaceae family, the same family as birch trees.
Etymology
The genus name Alnus is derived from Latin for alder tree and refers to alder trees’ preference for wet soils.
The scientific name Alnus rubra, directly translates to “red alder” from Latin, with “rubra” meaning red.
The scientific name “glutinosa” means “sticky” in Latin, referring to the young twigs and buds.
Grey alder (Alnus incana) with mature female cones:
Fun Facts
- Alder trees have the unique ability to “fix” nitrogen in the soil. Their roots host special bacteria that convert nitrogen from the air into a usable form, enriching the soil and making it more fertile. This benefits nearby plants, especially in nutrient-poor soils, which is why alder is often one of the first trees to grow in disturbed areas!
- A green dye extracted from alder flowers was thought to have been used to dye the clothing of outlaws such as Robin Hood, as well as the garments of fairies
- According to Irish tradition, the first man was formed from an Alder tree, while the first woman was created from a Rowan
- Alder makes great charcoal, perfect for gunpowder, blacksmithing, and firing pottery4
- Poultices of alder leaves can be used to help dry up breast milk, providing relief from painful swelling
- Alder wood resists rot in wet conditions, which made it highly prized by ancient civilisations. The Celts used alder to craft shields and even bridges, knowing its ability to withstand water damage
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References
- Common Alder by The Heart of England Forest ↩︎
- Alnus rubra, Wikipedia ↩︎
- A Note on Eating Alder Catkins by Stone Age Skills ↩︎
- Tree Medicine, Magic & Lore, Alder by The Magical Buffet ↩︎
Keep Reading
Curious about other medicinal trees?
Join the Conversation
Have you ever foraged for alder or used it in a remedy?
I’d love to hear your experiences!
Whether you’ve made an alder tincture, alder tea, or a wound-healing poultice, your insights could help and inspire others.
Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the wisdom of medicinal plants alive for future generations!🙂
