Materia Medica

Alnus glutinosa black alder leaves
Alder, Black (European) — Alnus glutinosa
Black alder or European alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a Eurasian wetland tree introduced into Illinois and other parts of North America. Its bark has a traditional astringent, fever and wound-use... Read more...
Alnus rubra red alder catkins and foliage
Alder, Red — Alnus rubra
Red alder (Alnus rubra) is the dominant native alder of the Pacific Northwest and a major nitrogen-fixing pioneer tree. Its bark has a documented history in Coast Salish and other... Read more...
Speckled Alder (Alnus incana subsp. rugosa): Indigenous Traditions, Oregonin & Betulin, Nitrogen Fixation, Research & Safety
Speckled alder (Alnus incana subsp. rugosa; syn. Alnus rugosa) is a native wetland shrub of northeastern and north-central North America, including Illinois. Its bark and roots have documented Mi’kmaq and Ojibwe uses, while James Bay Cree knowledge has guided modern metabolic research. This guide covers oregonin-rich diarylheptanoids, betulin and related triterpenes, preclinical antimycobacterial and metabolic studies, Frankia nitrogen fixation, pollen allergy, sourcing and safety. Read more...