🔥 Ailments & Uses for Common Alder

🦠 Infections & Immune Support

✅ Sore Throat & Tonsillitis – Gargle with Alder leaf infusion to soothe inflammation and fight bacteria.
✅ Fever & Colds – Decoctions help reduce fever and promote immune function.
✅ Gum Infections & Mouth Ulcers – Used as a mouthwash for gum disease, bleeding gums, and ulcers.
✅ Respiratory Infections – Helps clear phlegm and lung congestion (used in teas or steam inhalations).

🩸 Blood & Circulatory System

✅ Lymphatic Congestion – Supports lymph drainage and detoxification.
✅ Poor Circulation & Cold Extremities – Used as a warm circulatory stimulant.
✅ Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids – Astringent properties help tone blood vessels and reduce swelling.

🦷 Oral & Dental Health

✅ Bleeding Gums & Gingivitis – Used in herbal mouth rinses to strengthen gums.
✅ Toothache – Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties can ease tooth pain.

🩹 Skin Conditions & Wound Healing

✅ Cuts, Scrapes, & Wounds – Antiseptic wash for cleansing and speeding up healing.
✅ Eczema & Psoriasis – Applied externally to reduce redness, irritation, and itching.
✅ Acne & Oily Skin – Astringent action tightens pores and reduces oil production.
✅ Burns & Sunburns – Soothing compresses help cool and heal damaged skin.
✅ Insect Bites & Stings – Applied to reduce swelling and irritation.

🔥 Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief

✅ Arthritis & Joint Pain – Used as a decoction, infused oil, or poultice for joint inflammation.
✅ Muscle Soreness & Bruises – Reduces swelling and pain when applied topically.

🦠 Digestive System & Gut Health

✅ Diarrhea & Dysentery – Bark decoction reduces excessive bowel movements due to its astringent effect.
✅ Ulcers & Gastritis – Helps soothe inflammation in the stomach lining.
✅ Liver Detoxification – Supports the liver’s natural detox processes.

🚽 Urinary & Kidney Health

✅ Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Diuretic properties help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
✅ Kidney Support – Encourages healthy kidney function and detoxification.

🧠 Nervous System & Mental Health

✅ Headaches & Migraines – Used traditionally to ease tension headaches.
✅ Stress & Anxiety – Mild sedative effect when used in infusions or tinctures.

🦶 Fungal & Bacterial Infections

✅ Athlete’s Foot & Fungal Skin Infections – Antifungal properties help clear infections.
✅ Yeast Infections & Candidiasis – Used as a wash or internal detox support.

🌿 Ailments & Remedies Using Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) 🌿

Common Alder has been traditionally used to support a variety of health conditions. Below are targeted remedies for specific ailments, incorporating Alder’s active compounds for internal and external applications.

---

1. Sore Throat & Inflamed Gums

🌿 Remedy: Alder Bark Gargle
🔹 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried alder bark
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ tsp salt (optional for added antimicrobial action)

🔹 Preparation & Use:

1. Steep the alder bark in boiling water for 15–20 minutes.
2. Strain and let cool to a comfortable temperature.
3. Gargle with the infusion 3–4 times a day to reduce inflammation and pain.

🔹 Why It Works:

• Astringent tannins help tighten swollen tissues and reduce excess mucus.
• Anti-inflammatory salicylates soothe irritation.
• Antimicrobial flavonoids combat oral bacteria.

---

2. Skin Wounds, Burns & Ulcers

🌿 Remedy: Alder Healing Poultice
🔹 Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh alder leaves (crushed) OR 1 tbsp dried alder leaf powder
• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (optional for extra cooling effect)
• 1 tsp honey (natural antimicrobial)

🔹 Preparation & Use:

1. Crush the alder leaves into a paste (or mix dried leaf powder with warm water).
2. Add aloe vera gel and honey.
3. Apply the mixture directly to the affected area and cover with a clean cloth.
4. Leave on for 30–60 minutes and repeat twice daily.

🔹 Why It Works:

• Alder resins & tannins promote skin healing and prevent infection.
• Astringent effect reduces swelling and closes wounds faster.
• Antimicrobial compounds fight bacterial contamination.

---

3. Diarrhea & Digestive Inflammation

🌿 Remedy: Alder Bark Tea
🔹 Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried alder bark
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ tsp cinnamon (for warmth & digestion support)

🔹 Preparation & Use:

1. Steep alder bark in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
2. Strain and drink warm, up to twice daily.

🔹 Why It Works:

• Astringent tannins help tone the intestines and reduce excessive fluid loss.
• Anti-inflammatory properties soothe gut irritation.
• Mild antimicrobial effects protect against bacterial imbalances.

---

4. Joint & Muscle Pain (Arthritis, Rheumatism)

🌿 Remedy: Alder Leaf & Bark Salve
🔹 Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried alder leaves OR bark
• ½ cup coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 tbsp beeswax
• 10 drops essential oil (optional: wintergreen or peppermint for added pain relief)

🔹 Preparation & Use:

1. Infuse the alder leaves/bark in warm oil (double boiler method for 2 hours).
2. Strain out plant material and mix oil with melted beeswax.
3. Pour into a small jar and let cool.
4. Apply to painful joints or muscles 2–3 times a day.

🔹 Why It Works:

• Natural salicylates provide aspirin-like pain relief.
• Anti-inflammatory flavonoids reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Skin-penetrating resins help deliver relief deep into the tissues.

---

5. Fever & Detox Support

🌿 Remedy: Alder Detox Decoction
🔹 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp alder bark (cut & sifted)
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp grated ginger (optional for additional circulation boost)

🔹 Preparation & Use:

1. Simmer the alder bark in low heat for 20 minutes.
2. Strain and sip slowly while warm.

🔹 Why It Works:

• Detoxifying tannins & flavonoids support liver function.
• Diaphoretic properties promote gentle sweating to break fevers.
• Mild antimicrobial action supports the immune system.

---

6. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

🌿 Remedy: Alder & Birch Leaf Infusion
🔹 Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried alder leaves
• 1 tsp dried birch leaves
• 1 cup hot water

🔹 Preparation & Use:

1. Steep both herbs in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Strain and drink up to twice daily.

🔹 Why It Works:

• Alder’s antimicrobial tannins help fight infection.
• Birch’s diuretic properties help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce discomfort and urgency.

---

🌟 Summary of Alder’s Traditional & Advanced Herbal Uses

Ailment	Remedy	Application Method
Sore Throat & Gum Inflammation	Alder Bark Gargle	Herbal Tea Gargle
Skin Wounds, Burns & Ulcers	Healing Poultice	Direct Application
Diarrhea & Digestive Issues	Alder Bark Tea	Internal Use
Joint & Muscle Pain	Alder Leaf & Bark Salve	Topical Application
Fever & Detox Support	Alder Detox Decoction	Internal Use
UTI & Bladder Health	Alder & Birch Leaf Infusion	Internal Use

🧪 Scientific Studies

• Studies confirm Alder’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Research suggests lymphatic and circulatory benefits.
• Historically used in European herbalism for skin conditions and wound care.