Evidence supporting the use of: Black Alder
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. Folk remedies have employed preparations made from the bark or leaves of Black Alder to support the healing of minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. This traditional application is primarily based on the plant’s astringent properties, which are thought to help tighten tissues, reduce minor bleeding, and form a protective barrier over the skin. The bark contains tannins and other polyphenolic compounds, which are believed to contribute to these effects. However, while these historical uses are well documented in ethnobotanical literature, there is limited scientific research evaluating the efficacy of Black Alder specifically for treating scratches and abrasions. Most sources referencing its use for this purpose draw upon traditional herbal texts rather than clinical studies. As such, while its use is justified by tradition and a plausible mechanism of action (astringency), there is a lack of robust modern scientific evidence or clinical trials directly supporting its effectiveness for this condition. Therefore, the evidence is rated as 2 out of 5, reflecting established traditional use but limited scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Black Alder
AbrasionsAbscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Cuts
Inflammation
Injuries
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores