Alder Bark Tincture 4 oz. Bottle

4 oz. brown glass bottle.  A tincture of the dried bark has an antibiotic activity against many strains of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Use equal portions of catkins and bark when tincturing, following the procedure described in Amoeba Infestation. Take in ½ teaspoon dosages up to six times daily.

ALDER
Family: Betulaceae
Taxon: Alnus sp. including A. glutinosa, A. rubra

Description: Alder bark is greenish-gray to reddish-brown, thin and smooth on small trees, becoming scaly near the base on more mature, larger trees. The flowers, which appear early in the spring before the leaves develop, are reddish green. Male flowers are borne in drooping catkins and the female in erect catkins, both on the same tree. The cone-like fruit usually remains on the limbs throughout the winter. The bark has a strong, rather aromatic odor and a bitter astringent taste. Alder grows along streams and around springs or seeps, attaining a height of six to fifteen feet.  It associates with Lodgepole pine, Willows and Aspen.

Historic Notes: The Nez Perce people used alder as a dermatological aid.  A poultice of moistened, heated leaves was placed on wounds to reduce swelling and speed healing. Fresh leaves were often placed in moccasins during a long journey   –  the tannin in the leaves toughened the feet.

Cautions: Fresh alder bark is an emetic, causing stomach cramping and vomiting.

Cultivation: Zones 2 - 7. Our native alders prefer a heavy soil and a damp situation.  However, they also grow well in heavy clay soils and can tolerate very infertile sites. Alder is a fast-growing tree with a short life span.  They can be started from seed, which are best sown in a cold frame. Use the whole mature cones harvested in late March or early April.  Barely cover the cones with fine soil.  Seed can also be sown in an outdoor bed in the spring. The trees, however, are most easily started from cuttings of mature wood, taken as soon as the leaves fall in autumn.  Start the cuttings outdoors in damp sandy soil, mulching heavily in cold climates.  There are a few pests to be aware of when growing alder.  These trees are a host to the gypsy moth and fall webworm (which also attacks ash trees). Female cones are sometimes damaged by powdery mildew.  Tent caterpillar can be a threat.  Cankers and leaf rust may also occur, but are less serious.

Constituents: The plant contains alnincanone, brassinolide, castasterone, and taraxerone. The leaves contain three-beta-hydroxy-glutin-5-en, alnusfoliendiolone, delta-amyrenome, L-ornithine, and sucrose.  Bark contains alnulin, beta-sitosterol, citrullin, emodin, glutinone, hyperoside, lupeol, phliobaphene, protoalnulin, tannin, and taraxerol.

GENERAL USAGE

Antibiotic – A tincture of the dried bark has an antibiotic activity against many strains of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  Take in ½ teaspoon dosages up to six times daily. 

Dermatological Aid – Tincture and Alder Bark Salve are useful in treating eczema.  Take ½ teaspoon tincture of dried alder bark twice daily with meals.  Apply salve externally to eczema, as needed.  A poultice of moistened, heated leaves can reduce swelling and help heal wounds or skin ulcers.  An infusion of fresh bark is effective when applied to poison ivy rash.  Use two tablespoonfuls of the bark  per one cup of boiling hot water.  Cool before applying.  For head lice or scabies, simmer ½ cup fresh bark in one pint of vinegar for ten minutes.  Cool.  Use as a hair rinse two times a day.

Gynecological Aid – To regulate menstrual flow, take one #00 capsule of powdered dried bark or 1 tsp. of the bark tincture two times a day.

Metabolic Aid – To improve food absorption and fat metabolism, make a decoction of two tablespoons dried bark per one cup of water.  Take 1½ ounces at mealtimes.  Or take 1 Tbsp. Alder bark tincture in 1 oz. of warm water at mealtime.

Oral Aid – For sore throats and hoarseness add 2 tsp. of Alder Bark tincture plus 1/2 tsp. sea salt to 1/2 cup warm water.  Use as gargle.