Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red Alder (Alnus rubra) has been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of scratches, abrasions, and other minor skin injuries. Ethnobotanical records note that the bark of Red Alder was commonly prepared as a poultice or decoction and applied to the skin to promote healing. The historical use is documented in sources such as "Plants Used by the Indians of Mendocino County, California" (Chesnut, 1902) and "Native American Ethnobotany" (Moerman, 1998), which report its external application for wounds, sores, and skin irritations.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While Red Alder bark contains compounds such as salicin (a precursor to salicylic acid) and tannins, which may have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a lack of clinical studies specifically evaluating its efficacy for scratches and abrasions. Most of the support therefore comes from traditional medicine rather than modern pharmacological research. Overall, Red Alder’s use for minor skin wounds is rooted in tradition, with limited but plausible phytochemical rationale.

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