The common alder, also known as black alder or just alder, scientific name Alnus glutinosa, belongs to the Betulaceae family. The plant is characterized by anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, astringent and diuretic properties and is useful to counteract fever, sinusitis, bronchitis, rheumatism, cold but also tonsillitis, pharyngitis and gingivitis. Black alder acts also as a tonic and stimulant on circulation, memory and concentration. You can use both the tea and the glycerin macerate of black alder.
Herbal tea to drink
In case of cold and fever you can prepare an infusion, bring to a boil a little more than a cup of water, then remove from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of leaves and bark of black alder, let it rest for five minutes, then filter and drink.
Decoction for gargling
Useful in case of tonsillitis or pharyngitis, gingivitis or other inflammations of the oral cavity. Bring to a boil 100 ml of water and 5 grams of leaves of black alder, let it simmer for 3 minutes, then filter, let the drink cool down and use to gargle.
Glycerin macerate
You can take 50 drops of glycerin macerate from one to three times a day without food.
