- Botanical Name(s): Alnus glutinosa
- Popular Name(s): European Alder, Owle, Common Alder
- Parts Used: The bark and leaves
- Habitat: Black Alder is found in Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Description: Black alder is a deciduous tree growing up to a height of 20-30 m. The plant is characterized by its 5-10 cm short-stalked rounded leaves, which are 6-12 cm in length and wedge-shaped at the base. Its flowers are segregated by sex into separate catkins. The female flowers are reddish-purple in colours which develop into hard cones containing seeds.
Uses: Black alder is used as an astringent, emetic and hemostatic. A decoction of its bark is used as a gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis. Boiling of inner bark in vinegar produces a useful external wash which is used in skin problems. The astringent alder is employed most often as a mouthwash and gargle for tooth, gum, and throat problems. The drying action of a decoction of the bark helps to contract the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation. A decoction may also be used to staunch internal or external bleeding and to heal wounds. Alder is also used as a wash for scabies. In Spain, alder leaves are smoothed and placed on the soles of the feet to relieve aching. Leaves are used to help reduce breast engorgement in nursing mothers.
Both species supply natural materials for dyers and tanners and wood for smoking meats and fish and for making pilings used in wet locations. The red alder is used for furniture. Medicinally, the trees have fallen into general disuse.
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