Synopsis

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

Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata) has a history of use in North American traditional medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples and early settlers, for the treatment of external ulcerations and wounds. The bark of Smooth Alder was commonly prepared as a poultice or wash and applied directly to ulcers, sores, and other skin afflictions. Traditional sources, including ethnobotanical surveys and early herbal texts, indicate that the astringent properties of alder bark were believed to help dry and heal external lesions. Some historical references also mention the use of alder bark decoctions in treating ulcers and skin irritations due to its perceived cleansing and tonic actions. However, scientific studies evaluating the efficacy or mechanisms of Smooth Alder in wound healing or ulcer treatment are lacking. While some related alder species have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in preliminary research, there is no direct clinical or laboratory evidence supporting the use of Alnus serrulata specifically for external ulcerations. Thus, the support for this use remains rooted in traditional knowledge rather than validated by modern science. Overall, Smooth Alder’s application for ulcerations is justified by ethnobotanical tradition, with moderate historical documentation but limited scientific investigation or confirmation.

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