- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Riverbanks and young forests along the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California
- Traditions
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
North America · Herb · № 967
Alnus rubra
Herb · North America
Red alder
Alnus rubra
A fast-growing alder with smooth grey bark that turns red after cutting. The bark is rich in tannins and astringent.
Safety notes
Coughing up blood is a reason to see a doctor at once. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Kwakwaka'wakw medicine: Coughing up blood: see a doctor at once.
Preparation
Hold pieces of inner bark in the mouth and swallow the juice; a decoction of the bark externally.
Use in traditions
According to the Kwakwaka'wakw, the alder on the riverbank is 'the only true supernatural power'. A woman who was coughing up blood sent her husband by canoe to a river to cut four pieces of bark. He cut off the rough outside and cut the bark into pieces small enough for her mouth. She kept a piece in her mouth, swallowed the juice and then took a new one. Other Indigenous peoples used the bark for poison oak rash, insect bites and wounds, and dyed fishing nets with it.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
Attributed effects
For coughing up blood. The alder on the riverbank counts as 'the only true supernatural power'.
Preparation and amount
Cut four pieces of bark, cut off the rough outside and cut into mouth-sized pieces; keep a piece in the mouth, swallow the juice and take a new one.
Caution: Coughing up blood: see a doctor at once.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction