Alnus Glutinosa – Black alder

Ecology and Phytosociology

The buds are round and sticky, and grow alternately and in a spiraling manner on non-prickly stalks. This is a robust species, unaffected by the mineral composition of the soil. A pioneer tree, colonizing periodically flooded alluvial soils, it protects other species from soil that is too humid. It improves and regenerates boggy soil through root nodules that are able to assimilate atmospheric nitrogen. Because of its regenerative effect on humid soil, the black alder is to silviculture what legumes are to agriculture.

Indications for Use

• Acute suppurative phase of inflammatory diseases originating in the mucous membranes: rhinitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, gastritis, colitis, pyelitis, cystitis, cholecystitis (with complementary treatments).
• Acute venous thrombotic syndromes: phlebitis, thrombophlebitis (acting alone), stroke.
• Improves intellectual performance and stimulates attention in older adults.
• Subacute inflammation, tending to diffuse: pleuropneumonia, osteomyelitis, osteitis, peritonitis, etc. (tending to become chronic).
• Gall stones: (buds act in combination with inner bark).

Note: This remedy complements antibiotics, treating inflammatory sequelae that are poorly resolved at the tissular and circulatory levels. In early stages, it can be taken without having to use antibiotics.

Complementary Treatments

Its properties are enhanced when it is associated with the following plants:

• Ribes Nigrum: Treats type 1 (reaginic) allergic or atopic asthma of extrinsic origin, accompanied by an increase of IgE.
• Ribes Nigrum and Mentha Aquatica: Treats migrainous conditions (shorter and less frequent episodes), urticaria caused by plants, insect bites and stings, medications (penicillin, vaccines, immune serum, analgesiccs) and food allergies, as well as chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Cytological and Coagulatory Effects

• Stimulates the myelocytic line and eosinophilic series.
• Acts on thrombophilic conditions.