Medicinal Trees: Alnus, Alder

Sixteen varieties of Alder are used Medicinally: Alnus cordata - Italian Alder, Alnus glutinosa, Alnus hirsute, Alnus incana - Grey Alder, Alnus japonica - Japanese Alder, Alnus maritima - Seaside Alder, Alnus maximowiczii Family, Alnus nepalensis - Nepalese Alder, Alnus nitida, Alnus rhombifolia - White Alder, Alnus rubra - Red Alder, Alnus rugosa - Speckled Alder, Alnus serrulata - Smooth Alder, Alnus sinuata - Sitka Alder, Alnus tenuifolia - Mountain Alder, Alnus viridis crispa - American Green Alder 

Of these, only two grow in my region, Alnus serrulata (Hazel Alder, Tag Alder) and Alnus viridis crispa (Mountain Alder, Green Alder) 

The most common use of Alder bark is as a source of salicylic acid, the base from which aspirin was created. It is anodyne, febrifuge and analgesic. It is also emetic, astringent, hemostatic, stomatic and tonic. A poultice of the leaves may be used for sores and wounds and is useful against infection. 

Saint Hildegard states, “… if someone is a bit ulcerous on his skin, place new, fresh leaves of this tree on the ulcers. During that time it will become smoother.” 

Gerard wrote of Alder: 

A. The leaves of Alder are much used against hot swellings, ulcers, and all inward inflammations, especially of the almonds and kernels of the throat. 

B. The bark is much used of poor country dyers, for the dying of coarse cloth, caps, hose, and such like into a black colour, whereunto it serveth very well. 

Mrs. Grieve listed of Alder: 

Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic and astringent. A decoction of the bark is useful to bathe swellings and inflammations, especially of the throat, and has been known to cure ague. 

Peasants on the Alps are reported to be frequently cured of rheumatism by being covered with bags full of the heated leaves. 

Horses, cows, sheep and goats are said to eat it, but swine refuse it. Some state that it is bad for horses, as it turns their tongues black. 

An Irish Herbal states: 

The bark or rind of it, because of its astringent quality is useful against swellings of the throat. It heals and cauterizes sores and ulcers. … and the leaves of it are made use of against ulcers and all kinds of inflammations. 

Brother Aloysius wrote of Alder: 

Alder bark is very rich in tannin, which makes it very astringent and febrifuge. The dose is 1/4th cup power in a glass of white wine, taken in the mornings on an empty stomach, while the patient is in bed, as this remedy causes excessive sweating. Decoction of alder is an excellent remedy for inflammation of the throat and tonsils. One should gargle four to six times a day. The fruit (alder buds) should be picked in October and bottled in gin; one tablespoon taken twice a day is a recommended remedy epilepsy. The bluish colored buds, picked in the spring, dried and taken in the form of a tea, are highly recommended for rheumatism. The fresh leaves, pounded and applied to ulcers, take away the burning and cause them to suppurate and heal. 

Herbal Remedies of the Lumbee Indians states: 

A handful of bark that was peeled from a tree that was knotty and gnarly was boiled down by the Lumbee healers to make a strong tea of deep red color to reduce swellings and sprains, coughs and skin eruptions. Aunt Cat Lowry, a Lumbee midwife and herbal expert, would recommend a tea made from Red Tag Elder to nurse the pains of the mother related to the birthing process. Many healers thought an ingredient in this tea cleared milky urine. For drooping eyes, some healers would rub and blow the decoction of the bark into the eyes or suggest a bark tea for general pain or heart trouble. A hot berry tea was often prescribed to treat fever. Drinking a cold tea from bark shavings was suggested by one healer to help the kidneys act. Lumbee mothers would often give the tea to babies for “thrash” (thrush), a mouth soreness. Sugar was added to the tea by many Lumbee mothers and given to babies for hives or teething. A cold bark tea was prescribed by Lumbee healers to purify the blood and bring down high blood pressure. 

Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests states: 

The bark is astringent. N. Y. Journal Med. V. 7, 8. It had for a long time been neglected; but in the article referred to the decoction is spoken highly of as an alterative and astringent in scrofula and cutaneous diseases, and it is said to have been very successful in haematuria; in these affections producing beneficial results where all other means had failed. Shec, in his Flora Carol., spoke of the alder tags as being of great service on account of their alterative powers; a decoction of the leaves has also been used to suppress hemorrhage, and they have been found effectual in relieving dyspepsia and bowel complaints. An astringent decoction may be made of the bark, leaves, or tags—acting also as a diuretic. A tincture may also be used. Poultices made of them are used as a local application to tumors, sprains, swellings, etc. The leaves are applied externally to wounds and ulcers. The inner bark of the root is emetic, and it has been given in intermittents. 

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us: 

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—To the taste tag alder is bitter and astringent. It powerfully increases retrograde metamorphosis and exerts a direct tonic action upon mucous surfaces, aiding digestion and assimilation. It is a true catalytic and a positive anti-putrefactive agent. Locally applied, the decoction stains the skin. The drug stimulates the gastric mucous membrane and causes an increased flow of gastric juice. Applied to the mammae, the leaves are said to decrease the lacteal secretion. It is alterative, emetic, and astringent. 

This much neglected, but very important, remedy is a valuable agent in scrofulosis, especially in those cases marked by glandular enlargements and suppuration. Prof. Scudder speaks of it as one of the most valuable of our indigenous remedies, and points to its use in "superficial diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, taking the form of eczema or pustular eruption." Administered internally and applied locally in these conditions, we may expect from alnus the best of results. Impetigo, prurigo, herpes, and scorbutus, are diseases in which alnus will be of great utility. In scurfy tetter of the scalp, in children, it is of much value. The happiest results are obtained from its use in successive crops of boils. It is a good agent in passive hemorrhages, 27 particularly in hematuria, for which a decoction of the cones has also been used, and it is favorably mentioned for purpura hemorrhagica. In marasmus of children, it is a much praised remedy. Combined with rumex crispus, and used locally and internally, it is a good drug in nursing sore mouth of mothers. Alnus is an important drug in indigestion and dyspepsia, when resulting from deficient secretion of gastric juice and debility of the muscular coat of the stomach. It may be associated with specific nux vomica. In diarrhoea, caused by or attended with deficiency of the gastric secretion, it serves an excellent purpose. It has been used with good results as an injection for leucorrhoea, and the leaves may "scatter" indurations of the mammary glands during the nursing period. Ɣ Dr. A. D. Ayer reports many cases of periodical hyperaesthetic rhinitis (hay fever) cured by alnus. He recommends a distillate prepared after the manner of distillate of hamamelis. The distillate is first used with an equal bulk of water and snuffed up the nostrils 5 or 6 times daily. It may be increased to full strength in a day or two. If desirous, it may be applied by atomization. At night the nose is smeared with the distillate combined with petrolatum. At the same time give internally: Rx Distillate of alnus, gtt. xv to xxx, in a little water, 1 hour before or after meals. Dr. Ayer also recommends this preparation in the acute stage of gonorrhoea, and as an antidote to rhus poisoning. The remedy is most effectual in infusion (fresh alnus bark, ℥j, aqua Oj); dose, a wine-glassful. 

Specific alnus, 1 to 20 drops. Specific Indications and Uses.—The specific use of this remedy is to improve nutrition and increase waste. It is of particular value in scrofula, with feeble vitality, and chronic skin diseases exhibiting scaly or pustular eruptions. 

Plants for A Future states: Medicinal use of Alder: 

The bark is alterative, astringent, cathartic, febrifuge and tonic. The fresh bark will cause vomiting, so use dried bark for all but emetic purposes. A decoction of the dried bark is used to bathe swellings and inflammations, especially of the mouth and throat. The powdered bark and the leaves have been used as an internal astringent and tonic, whilst the bark has also been used as an internal and external haemostatic against haemorrhage. The dried bark of young twigs are used, or the inner bark of branches 2 - 3 years old. It is harvested in the spring and dried for later use. Boiling the inner bark in vinegar produces a useful wash to treat lice and a range of skin problems such as scabies and scabs. The liquid can also be used as a toothwash. The leaves are astringent, galactogogue and vermifuge. They are used to help reduce breast engorgement in nursing mothers. A decoction of the leaves is used in folk remedies for treating cancer of the breast, duodenum, oesophagus, face, pylorus, pancreas, rectum, throat, tongue, and uterus. The leaves are harvested in the summer and used fresh. 

The Rodale Herb Book lists Alder: 

The bark and berries are cathartic, similar to cascara in cation. The astringent bark, prepared as a decoction, is used for a gargle for sore throat, to induce circulation, check diarrhea, and for eye drops. Leaves are glutinous and used to cure inflammation. Fresh leaves applied to bare feet, are said to be excellent for burning and itching feet. Also used as a foot bath when brewed as a strong tea. 

Sacred and Healing Herbal Beers states: 

Alder is rarely used in botanical medicine at this time, though it is a powerful remedy for a number of conditions. It is strongly astringent, the leaves and bark containing 16 percent tannin. … Traditionally, alder has been used as a vulnerary(wound healer) and stomatic. It tonifies the stomach and small intestine, helping improve food absorption and fat metabolism. It is also a bitte and stimulates gastric secretion. Traditionally, elder has been used with great effectiveness in eye infections, sore throats, mouth infections, stubborn and bleeding wounds, diarrhea and skin irritations. Felter and Lloyd call it a ‘positive anti-putrefactive agent,’ and a number of traditional medical herbalists note its effectiveness in treating gangrene. 

Botany In a Day states: 

Alders are very astringent, and the bark is the most potent. The live inner bark from our local alders quickly turns a flaming orange-brown color when exposed to air. The color is from tannic acid. It is a brilliant an permanent dye. Some Native Americans even dyed their hair with it! Other species of Alder may produce darker colors. Medicinally, the alder can be used as a potent astringent for wounds, diarrhea and so forth. Some species produce anti-tumor properties similar to the birches. 

The Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines tells us: 

Black Alder: Affects. The decoction is a tonic and has astringent and hemostatic properties, which may be due to the tannins, flavone glycosides, and triterpenes. Unproven uses: Black Alder is used as a decoction for gargles in the treatment of streptococcal sore throat and pharyngitis, and for internal bleeding. The bark is considered to be affective for intermittent fever. No health hazards or side effects or known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.

This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

His other works include:

The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

Christian Medicine, History and Practice:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide

http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936

The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html

Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com

His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

He offers free, weekly herb classes: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 78: Finding the Herbal Tradition That Works for You and Angelica

 

Listen to "Show 78: Finding the Herbal Tradition That Works for You and Angelica" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I explain that not all herbal traditions work for everyone.  I give some advice on finding the practitioner or herbalist that can help you best.  I also discuss Native American and Appalachian Herbalism, some Lumbee history and the fascinating herb, Angelica... legend has it, Angelica was presented to humanity by an Archangel as a cure for viral plagues. 

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/finding-the-herbal-tradition

Read about my new book, Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else:  https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other book, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Substack: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Medicinal Trees: Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-heaven

Tree of Heaven has been naturalized in my region. This very useful plant is not much used in modern Herbal Medicine, certainly warrants further study.

Mrs. Grieve lists Tree of Heaven as: 

Antispasmodic, cardiac depressant, astringent. The effect produced by Hetet when experimenting on dogs, was copious stools and the discharge of worms. The resin purges, but rarely acts as an anthelmintic. In China the bark is popular for dysentery and other bowel complaints. A smaller dose of the oleoresin produces similar results and keeps better than the bark. 

The vapours of the evaporating extract have a prostrating effect, as have the emanations from the blossoms, while the action upon patients of powder or extract is disagreeable and nauseating, though they have been successfully used in dysentery and diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, prolapsus ani, etc., and also as a taenifuge. 

The infusion may be given in sweetened orange-flower or other aromatic water, to lessen the bitterness and resultant sickness. Though it produces vomiting and great relaxation, it is stated not to be poisonous. 

A tincture of the root-bark has been used successfully in cardiac palpitation, asthma and epilepsy. 

The action of the trees in malarial districts is considered to resemble that of the Eucalyptus. 

The statement that the resin is purgative has been disputed, some asserting that it is inert. 

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us: 

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The bark of ailanthus has been employed by Roberts, Dugat, and others, both in the recent and dried state, as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea; also in gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, prolapsus ani, etc. Fifty grammes of the root-bark are infused for a short time in 75 grammes of hot water, then strained, and when cold, administered in teaspoonful doses, night and morning. To lessen the disagreeable impression following its use, as well as to mask its bitterness, it may be administered in sweetened orange-flower water, or in some other aromatic. Professor Hetet, of the Toulon Naval School, states in Jour. de Chim. Med., December, 1859, that the leaves and bark, in powder, or in the form of an aqueous or of an alcoholic extract, will remove tapeworm; but he found its action upon patients to be very disagreeable and nauseating, somewhat like that occasioned by tobacco upon young smokers. Dupuis has also found it useful as a taenifuge. In the September number of the Eclectic Medical Journal, for 1875, p. 393, Dr. H. L. True, of Ohio, states, that from his observations, the bark is not poisonous, but produces vomiting, great relaxation, and a deathlike sickness, which symptoms gradually pass away. He has successfully employed a tincture of the root-bark in cardiac palpitation, obstinate singultus, asthma, and epilepsy. Its use in epilepsy has gained in reputation. It should be studied for its action in sick and nervous headache, with nausea, and an indescribable burning sensation in the forehead. Webster states, "the remedy, in 2x dilution, will cure malignant sore throat, ulcerated tonsils, and other tonsillar inflammations, marked by adynamia and persistency." He states that he has been pleased with it in putrid, malignant, typhoid scarlatina, with dusky, carmine eruption, high temperature, pungent surface, pulse small and extremely rapid, with thirst, delirium, and coma. The tongue is dusky, parched, and fissured; sores upon the teeth; and the urine discharges involuntarily. Dose, 1 to 10 drops of the 2x dilution. His uses of the drug were derived from homoeopathy. Dr. True considers the presence of these trees in malarial districts to have a strong action, similar to that of the eucalyptus, in antagonizing those influences that produce intermittents. The dose of the tincture is from 5 to 60 drops, repeated as often as required, or, from 2 to 4 times a day; specific ailanthus, 5 to 20 drops. 

Specific Indications and Uses.—Cardiac palpitation; spasmodic or epileptiform muscular contraction. 

Plants for A Future sates: 

Medicinal use of Tree Of Heaven: The tree of heaven is not often used in Western herbal medicine, though it is more popular in the Orient. Various parts of the plant are used, though the bark is the part most commonly used - however, it contains a glycoside that has not been fully researched and so should be used with caution. The root and stem bark are antispasmodic, astringent, bitter, cardiac depressant, diuretic, emetic, febrifuge, rubefacient and vermifuge. The vermifuge properties do not act on round worms or earthworms. A nauseatingly bitter herb, it is used internally to treat malaria and fevers, it also slows the heart rate and relaxes spasms. It needs to be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner since the bark readily causes vomiting. In China, the bark is a popular remedy for dysentery and other complaints of the bowels. In one clinical trial, 81 out of 82 patients were cured of dysentery when they were given this herb. A tincture of the root-bark has been used successfully in the treatment of cardiac palpitations, asthma and epilepsy. Tree-of-heaven is a folk remedy for asthma, cancer, diarrhoea, dysentery, dysmenorrhoea, dysuria, ejaculation (premature), epilepsy, eruption, fever, gonorrhoea, haematochezia, leucorrhoea, malaria, metrorrhagia, sores, spasms, spermatorrhoea, stomachic, tumours of the breast (China), and wet dreams The bark is harvested in the spring and dried for later use. The leaves, bark of the trunk, and roots are put into a wash to treat parasitic ulcers, itch, and eruptions. In Korea, the root bark is used in the treatment of coughs, gastric and intestinal upsets. The stembark is emmenagogue. The leaves are anthelmintic, astringent and deobstruent. The fruit is used in the treatment of bloody stools and dysentery. They have also been used to treat ophthalmic diseases. Extracts from the plant are bactericidal. The tree is used in homeopathic remedies for cancer. A resin extracted from the roots and leaves is a revulsive or vesicant. 

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants tells us: 

Two ounces bark infused in one quart water, given in teaspoonfuls for diarrhea, dysentery, leukorrhea, tapeworm; Used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently shown could contain at least 3 potent antimalarial compounds. Warning: large doses potentially poisonous. Gardeners who cut the tree may suffer from rashes. 

The Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicine tells us: 

An antimalarial action is being tested in an in vitro trial period the active agents also have a stringent, antipyretic, and antispasmodic properties. Unproven uses: in Africa, tree of heaven is used for cramps, asthma, tachycardia, gonorrhea, epilepsy and tapeworm infestation it is increasingly used in the treatment of malaria. 

This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll

His New Book is:

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

His other works include:

The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

Christian Medicine, History and Practice:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide

http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936

The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html

Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com

His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

He offers free, weekly herb classes: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 77: Easter and Aloe

 

Listen to "Show 77: Easter and Aloe" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss several topics - Herbs, Easter, spring foraging, tenkara fishing, my new book, gardening, politics, religion, my new Substack newsletter and Aloe vera.  Well, mostly Aloe.... it is an herb with a fascinating history and far more herbal uses and virtues than most realize.  It actually has a strong Easter connection, too.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/easter-and-aloe

Read about my new book, Growing Your Survival Herb Garden For Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else:  https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other book, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3WCJM5

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Substack: https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Medicinal Trees: Aesculus, Buckeye

Ten varieties of Buckeye are used medicinally: Aesculus californica - Californian Buckeye, Aesculus flava - Sweet Buckeye, Aesculus glabra - Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus hippocastanum - Horse Chestnut, Aesculus chinensis - Chinese Horse Chestnut, Aesculus indica - Indian Horse Chestnut, Aesculus parviflora, Aesculus pavia - Red Buckeye, Aesculus turbinata - Japanese Horse Chestnut, Aesculus x carnea - Red Horse Chestnut

Of the above, only three are native to my region, Aesculus flava (Yellow Buckeye), Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) and Aesculus sylvatica (Painted Buckeye), with one naturalized, Aesculus hippocastanum (Horsechestnut). They are remarkably tough trees. Even as seedlings, they are weedy and very hard to kill. You can cut them down to the ground, and they simply grow right back! Their fruit looks like chestnuts, but is inedible for humans. They are good for firewood, and may be coppiced. Generally, though, Buckeyes are considered a nuisance… they tend to pop up in one’s hedges and landscape and are very difficult to remove. For that reason, I was very glad to learn of the herbal use of the Buckeye tree!

Useful parts are the peeled seed or live, inner bark. The bark can be taken from pruned branches. It is used for poor circulation and claudication (swelling of the ankles). Improves the charge of venous capillaries and veins. Blood rising from the legs is thick and when you stand a lot, fluid pools in the feet and ankles. Buckeye is good for venous congestion in the legs - purple, spidery veins. It can be used topically and internally. Buckeye can be used as a tea with witch hazel or hyssop and is best Combined with Butcher's Broom.

Caution should be used with any internal use of Buckeye, but very small amounts of the tincture may be useful for spasmodic coughs and bronchial tightness.

Externally, Buckeye is most often used for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and rheumatism.

The Buckeye, or “horse chestnut” has long been used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory herb. It is analgesic and diuretic, hemostatic and vasoconstrictive, tonifying the veins. The root may be useful for chest pains.

Mrs. Grieves lists its medicinal uses as:

The bark has tonic, narcotic and febrifuge properties and is used in intermittent fevers, given in an infusion of 1 OZ. to the pint, in tablespoonful doses, three or four times daily. As an external application to ulcers, this infusion has also been used with success. The fruits have been employed in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia, and also in rectal complaints and for haemorrhoids.

Brother Aloysius wrote of Horse Chestnut:

The horse chestnuts and the flowers are used medicinally. The fresh plucked flowers, steeped in 75 percent alcohol, are an excellent remedy for rheumatic pain; the affected area should be rubbed twice daily with this tincture. Chestnut powder, carried in a linen bag over the heart, is to be recommended for cramps; very finely powdered chestnut is an excellent snuff; the powder is also most efficacious taken internally for colic and cramps. The dose it 2 to 3 pinches per day. Chestnut powder mixed with vinegar and barley meal, cures hardened breasts and dissolved the clotted milk. The powder alone is an excellent remedy for headaches and eye complaints, it should be sniffed up the nose.

Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests states:

AESCULACEAE. (The Horse Chestnut Tribe).

The seeds contain a great quantity of nutritive starch; also a sufficient amount of potash to be useful as cosmetics, or as a substitute for soap.

HORSE CHESTNUT ; BUCKEYE, (Aesculus pavia, L.)

Diffused. I have observed it in Greenville, Fairfield and Charleston Districts; vicinity of Charleston, Bach.; North Carolina. Fl. May.Shec. Flora Carol. 105; Griffith's Med. Bot. 214. The fruit is about the size of a small lemon, and of a beautifully polished mahogany color externally; it contains a great deal of starch. Dr. Woodhouse prepared a half a pint from the nuts, which retained its color for two years. It is superior to the famous Portland starch, and does not impart a yellow color to cloth. It is said that the washing from this is narcotic and poisonous. Dr. McDowol tried the powder of the rind, and states that ten grains were equivalent to three of opium; a strong decoction is recommended as a lotion to gangrenous ulcers. A strong decoction of the root is said to relieve toothache when held in the mouth. The fresh kernels, macerated in water, mixed with wheat flour into a stiff paste and thrown in pools of standing water, intoxicate fish, so that they float on the surface, and may be taken; reviving, however, when placed in fresh water. I am informed that large quantities were formerly caught in this way in the swamps along the Santee River. See, also, Ell. Bot. Med. Notes. The roots are preferred even to soap for washing and whitening woollens, blankets, and dyed cottons—the colors of which are improved by the process. Satins washed in this manner and carefully ironed, look almost as well as new. The Buckeye has been used in St. John's, Berkeley, S. C, (186.3,) to fix the color of cotton fabrics, muslins, etc., when alum ox gall, sugar of lead, etc., had proved inefficient. Bedsteads made of the horse chestnut are said not to be infested by bugs. I am told that in the West they use the buckeye to prevent piles, worn about the loins as an amulet!

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us:

Aesculus.—Ohio Buckeye.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This agent influences the nervous and circulatory systems, having a selective affinity for the portal circulation. In over-doses it affects the cerebro-spinal system somewhat after the manner of nux vomica. Dizziness, fixation of the eyes, impairment of vision, vomiting, wry-neck, opisthotonos, stupor, and tympanites are among its effects. In lethal doses these symptoms are increased, coma supervenes, and death finally takes place. The dried powder of the nut inhaled causes violent sneezing. The action of buckeye is similar to, but more powerful than that of the horse-chestnut (A. Hippocastanum), though some think it less powerful than the latter in its effects upon the portal circulation. It probably acts more powerfully on the spinal than upon the sympathetic nerves. When an excited circulation, with frequent 20 pulse, depends upon disorders of the respiratory and sympathetic nerves, it acts as a decided sedative. The difficult breathing of non-paroxysmal asthma, where the dyspnoea is persistent, but does not amount to a paroxysm, is markedly benefited by aesculus glabra, while in coughs, associated with post-manubrial constriction—a sensation of grasping and tightening—its action is positive. The latter sensation without the cough quickly yields to it. Phthisis, bronchitis, etc., with dyspnoea and oppression, are palliated by it. Intestinal uneasiness and irritation, with a sense of contraction and colic-like pains in the region of the umbilicus, are indications for its use. It is asserted valuable in intestinal dyspepsia with these symptoms, and in hepatic congestion and chronic constipation. Its control over the portal circulation and its attendant disorders is pronounced, and as a remedy for hemorrhoids depending upon portal derangements, it has attained a reputation. A sense of constriction in the rectum is the guide to its use. In female disorders, with tumid and enlarged cervix uteri, with too frequent and profuse menstruation, it may be employed with advantage. Owing to its powerful action upon the nervous system the drug will repay study. It has been employed with asserted success in rheumatism and as a stimulant in paralysis. The dose of specific aesculus glabra is from 1 to 5 drops.

Specific Indications and Uses.—A sensation of grasping or constriction in the post-manubrial space, or at the supra-sternal notch; cough of spasmodic character, with but little expectoration; asthma, with continual dyspnoea, non-paroxysmal; tightness in the chest and about the heart; bronchial irritation with constriction; sense of constriction, tightness or uneasiness in the rectum, accompanied or not with hemorrhoids; intestinal irritation with constriction and colicky pains near the umbilicus.

Related Species.—Aesculus pavia, Linné. Red buckeye. United States. Southern states, from Georgia and Virginia westward.

Jolanta Wittib writes of Horse Chestnut:

I use the seeds of Horse chestnut. It is my home medicine, my laundry liquid, my dishwasher and material for creative activities with children and grandchildren. As a home medicine, I make a tincture from fresh chestnut seeds. I fill 1/3 of a jar with chopped chestnut seeds, add high percentage alcohol, keep it tightly closed for at least two weeks, and shake it daily. Then I strain the liquid and pour it into a dark bottle for storing. I use it as a prevention for varicose veins. My father and mother suffered a lot from varicose veins. So far I am very lucky and I have no problems at all. Is it thanks to this tincture or to my habit to sit with legs up, whenever I have a chance....

I love nature and I am really conscious of the damage we humans cause by polluting nature and ourselves, thus I systematically try to replace all the synthetic and nature polluting laundry, washing and cleaning liquids and powders in my home. I want to contribute to preserving nature. I want my grandchildren to learn how to cherish nature, to be able to enjoy the green, the fresh, the beautiful. Telling is one, teaching by example is something else. I try to teach by example.

For my laundry I use either dark green ivy (hedera) leaves, or fresh or dried Sweet William herb or horse chestnut seeds. I cannot imagine laundry with any synthetic powder or liquid anymore.

As this is a chapter about chestnut - here is my recipe:

Collect chestnuts, chop them fresh (do not remove the brown shell), dry well and store in tightly closed jars. For a laundry you pour 300 ml of boiling water onto 3 spoons full of dried chestnuts, let it soak for about 30 minutes, strain the liquid through a sieve and pour it into the washing machine. Do not throw away the thick mass. You can use it once or twice again for washing if you do more laundry in the coming days.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants tells us of the Buckeye family:

The Ohio Buckeye, aesculus glabara: Traditionally, powdered nut in minute doses used for spasmodic cough, asthma with tight chest, intestinal irritations. External tea or ointment used for rheumatism and piles. American Indians put ground nuts in streams to stupify fish, which floated to the surface for easy harvest. Warning: nuts toxic, causing severe gastric irritation. Still, Indians made food from them after elaborate processing.

Horsechestnut, aesculus hippocastanum: as in A. glabara; Also, peeled roasted nuts of this tree were brewed for diarrhea, prostate ailments. Thought to increase blood circulation. In Europe, preparations of the seeds are believed to prevent thrombosis, and are used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids; thought to help strengthen weak veins and arteries. Also used in gastritis and gastroenteritis. Leaf tea tonic; use for fevers. Flower tincture used on rheumatic joints. Bark tea astringent; used in malaria, dysentery, externally, for lupus and skin ulcers. Warning: outer husks poisonous; All parts can be toxic. Fatalities reported. Seeds (nuts) contain 30 to 60% starch, but can be used as a foodstuff only after the toxins have been removed.

The Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines notes that, “Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.” However, it cautions that Horse Chestnut/Buckeye may interact negatively with persons taking warfarin, salicylates and other drugs with anti-coagulant properties, and that, “The intake of larger quantities of Horse Chestnut seeds (in one case of a child with 5 seeds) can bring about vomiting, diarrhea, severe thirst, reddening of the face, enlargement of the pupils, vision and consciousness disorders.

This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll

His New Book is:

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Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

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Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.