Black alder(Alnus glutinosa) is a tree species widely recognized for its medicinal, ecological and economic properties. Found in the wetlands of Europe and Asia, this tree has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, healing and environmental protection properties. Find out all you need to know about black alder in this detailed FAQ.
What is black alder and where is it found?
Black alder(Alnus glutinosa) is a tree in the Betulaceae family. It grows mainly in wetlands, particularly along rivers, swamps and waterlogged soils. It is found in Europe, West Asia and North Africa. Thanks to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, it contributes tosoil enrichment and the regeneration of flood forests.
What are the medicinal benefits of black alder?
Black alder is known for its many therapeutic properties:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Thanks to the presence of tannins and flavonoids, black alder is used to relieve joint and muscle pain.
- Healing action: Alder bark and leaves promote healing of wounds and ulcers.
- Antiseptic effect: used as an infusion or decoction to purify the skin and treat dermatological conditions such aseczema or psoriasis.
- Astringent properties: Helps reduce diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
- Effect on blood circulation: Alder is used in phytotherapy to relieve circulatory problems, notably varicose veins and venous insufficiency.
How to use black alder in phytotherapy?
Alder can be taken in a variety of forms, depending on the effects required:
- Leaf and bark infusion: used for respiratory and digestive ailments.
- Bark decoction: Applied as a mouthwash against mouth infections, or as a poultice to accelerate wound healing.
- Mother tincture: Prepared from the bark, used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
- Fluid extract or capsules: Available in dietary supplements, it is prized for boosting immunity and improving blood circulation.
What are the environmental benefits of black alder?
Black alder plays a fundamental ecological role thanks to a number of assets:
- Nitrogen fixation: It enriches the soil with essential nutrients, encouraging the growth of other plants.
- Shoreline stabilization: its deep roots limit soil erosion and wetland degradation.
- Improved water quality: It contributes to the natural purification of watercourses through its interaction with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Biodiversity: It is a preferred habitat for many plant and animal species, particularly birds and pollinating insects.
Is black alder used in cosmetics?
Yes, thanks to its antioxidant and purifying properties,black alder is an ingredient of choice in the formulation of natural cosmetics. It is often used in :
- Toning lotions for oily or acne-prone skin, thanks to its astringent effect.
- Shampoos to regulate sebum production and soothe the scalp.
- Anti-ageing creams for its antioxidant virtues and ability to stimulate cell regeneration.
How to recognize a black alder?
Black alder has a number of distinctive features that make it easy to recognize:
- Oval leaves with toothed edges, slightly sticky (hence the name "glutinous").
- Dark, rough bark that becomes cracked with age.
- Small cone-shaped fruits (strobiles), visible in winter.
- Male flowers in pendulous catkins and female flowers in small spikes, present on the tree in spring.
Is the black alder threatened?
At present, theblack alder is not on the endangered species list. However, it is under threat from climate change, deforestation and certain cryptogamic diseases. It is therefore essential to preserve this tree with its many ecological and therapeutic benefits.
