Biological Name: Alnus serrulata

Other Names: smooth alder, Hazel alder

Elements Applied: Leaves and bark are applied in herbal medicine

Used For: The herb is known to relieve diarrhea, induce vomiting, and prevent bleeding.

To avoid vomiting, use dried alder bark, as fresh bark is known to be emetic.

Bark decoction is successfully applied as a gargle for pharyngitis and sore throats. Leaf and bark powders are successfully used to relieve diarrhea and bleeding, both as a topical and oral remedy. Inner bark, boiled in vinegar, is a beneficial topical remedy for skin conditions, like scabs and scabies, and well as lice. It may also be applied as a teeth cleanser.

Additional Info: Smooth alder is a tree or a bush, featuring black bark which is locally spotted with small lenticels. The leaves are obovate or elliptic, serrate and fuzzy at the lower side. The herb is indigenous to Louisiana, Florida, Oklahoma, and Nova Scotia.

Preparation and Intake: To prepare a decoction, take a teaspoon of leaf or bark extract for a cup of water. As an oral remedy, the decoction should be drunk at a dose of 1-2 cups per day, a swallow at a time.

In form of tincture the herb is applied at a dose of half to a teaspoon. In form of powder the herb is taken in a quantity of 8-12 grains.

Safety: There is no data concerning the herb’s safety level.