Stress Management

Astringent, bitter, emetic, hemostatic

Fresh alder bark will cause vomiting, so use dried bark except for emetic purposes.

A decoction of the bark makes a good gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis. The powdered bark and the leaves have been used as an internal astringent and tonic, and the bark also as an internal and external haemostatic against hemorrhage. Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces a useful external wash for lice and for skin problems such as scabies and scabs. It can be used to clean your teeth.

Red alder grows as a shrub or tree. It has elliptic- ovate leaves that are dark green on top and rusty-haired underneath. It is found in evergreen and redwood forests from Northern California to Alaska.

Decoction: Boil 1 tsp. bark or leaves in I cup water. For internal use, take 1 to 2 cups a day, in mouthful doses.

Tincture: A dose is from 1/2 to 1 tsp.

Powder: A dose is from 8 to 12 grains.