Evidence supporting the use of: Red alder
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Red Alder (Alnus rubra) has a history of traditional use among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest in North America for treating various skin conditions, including abrasions. The inner bark was often prepared as a poultice or decoction and applied topically to wounds, sores, and abrasions to promote healing. Ethnobotanical records, such as those compiled by Daniel E. Moerman and other researchers, indicate that several First Nations groups utilized Red Alder bark for its purported anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. These traditional uses are largely based on empirical observations and oral tradition rather than on systematic scientific studies.
However, scientific validation of Red Alder’s efficacy for treating abrasions is limited. While the bark is known to contain bioactive compounds such as tannins, diarylheptanoids, and flavonoids, which are associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, there is little direct clinical evidence supporting its topical use for wound healing in humans. Some in vitro studies suggest that extracts from Red Alder exhibit antibacterial properties, which could theoretically aid in preventing infection in minor wounds, but these findings have not been rigorously tested in clinical settings.
In summary, Red Alder’s use for abrasions is primarily justified by traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence. While its phytochemical profile suggests potential benefits, more research is needed to substantiate its efficacy and safety for this purpose.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
Aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
Zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
Clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
Yarrow
Moss
Myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
White oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
sea salt
ash
avens
asiaticoside
Acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alstonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
bee propolis
bai ji
blackthorn
balsam
blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
bee hive
bloodroot
benzoin
bindweed
banyan
Bletilla
bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
colloidal silver
capillary artemisia
cinquefoil
cattail
cocoa butter
Cymbidium goeringii
cornflower
cowherb
Centella asiatica
celandine
Centipeda
carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
castile soap
Cynodon dactylon
cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
dragon\'s blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
elephant vine
Erodium cicutarium
English elm
elephant\'s head
Euphorbia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
ficin
fibrinase
fibroblast growth factor
fir
genipap
Gnaphalium
Gambir
Genipa americana
Gugambilla
golden shower tree
honey
heal-all
Hydrocolloid
henna
iridoid glycosides
Immortelle
jojoba oil
Jessica\'s sticktight
Kigelia africana
Kalanchoe pinnatum
lacquertree
Lesser speargrass
Lilium polyphyllum
Lophira lanceolata
lodhtree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
little ironweed
Maritime Dock
Mountain horopito
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Mahonia
Milkweed
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nimbidin
Oak
Oxystelma
Propolis
purple Tephrosia
Povidone
Plantago
Panthenol
Plumbago zeylanica
Prolase
red alder
resin
red spiderling
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Sesbania
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Silverweed
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Smooth Alder
Sensitive Plant
Sericin
Sanguisorba
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Stellaria dichotoma
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Smoketree
Trumpet Vine
Tannins
Tridax
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by red alder
AbrasionsAbscesses
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Inflammation
Injuries
Scratches and Abrasions
Wounds and Sores