Alder, Black American

This is an indigenous shrub of irregular growth, with a stem six or eight feet in height; bark grayish and alternate branches. The leaves are ovate, acute at the base, olive green in color, smooth above and downy beneath. Flowers small and white; calyx small and six-cleft; corolla divided into six obtuse segments. Fruit a berry.

Common Name:	Alder, Black American
Botanical Name:	Prinos verticillatus
Habitat:	Woodlands and wetlands
Medicinal Uses:	Laxative, This remedy is a stimulant to the digestive and blood-making organs, and may be advantageously employed for the general purposes of a tonic. But beyond this, it influences the vegetative processes, probably through the sympathetic system of nerves, strengthening the circulation, aiding nutrition, and the removal of waste. We have used it but little, yet the testimony in its favor is such, that we strongly recommend its trial.
Preparation and Dosage:	One half to one teaspoon of powdered bark to a cup of hot water
Parts Used:	Bark
Location:	Northeastern and Northern United States
Classification:	Tree
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs by Joseph Kadans, N.D., Ph.D. Copyright © 1970 Parker Publishing Company, Inc. pg 26 Henriette's Herbal Homepage Copyright © 1995-2005 THE COMPLETE HERBALIST by Dr. O. Phelps Brown Copyright © 1878 by DR. O. Phelps Brown.