Alder

Alder is the common name of the birch family (Family Betulaceae). The genus comprises about 30 species that grow all over the world.

A tree associated with ancient cultural meanings, the alder represented the letter F (fearn) in the druidic tree alphabet. It was known in medieval legend as a tree sacred to the god Bran, who kept the Cauldron of Regeneration. The tree stands for the principle of resurrection. The beginning of the Celtic solar year was marked by the alder tree. In the territory of Celtic druids there used to be a tribe known as Arverni, “People of the Alder.”

The value of interplanting various alder species as a nitrogen-supplying nurse crop to Alders can significantly improve growth, although there is a period of about 5 years before this nursing effect is detectable, corresponding to the time necessary to accumulate nitrogen in the growth substrate.

Source: http://forestry.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/3/215

Its name derives from the Old English, ealdor, meaning “chief,” relating to the office of the alderman, or councilman.

The Spanish name for Alder is Aliso.

Alder has many uses, including medicinal values:

• Alder leaf poultices were also a much valued ally against gangrene for battle-wounds and for crushed flesh in accidents, because its properties are anti-inflammatory, haemostatic (stops bleeding) and astringent.
• Country folk used thin cloth bags of heated leaves for the relief and cure of rheumatism.
• The leaves were put in working boots, shoes and socks next to the skin to soothe aching and burning feet.
• Fresh crushed leaves can also be used to soothe chapped skin.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties made the bark decoction a good gargle for sore throats, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and similar conditions. It was also used as a mouth-wash for inflamed gums, mouth ulcers and due to its astringency, it even helped for loose teeth.
• Sticks of frayed bark have been used to clean teeth and the powdered dried bark was employed as a constituent of toothpaste.

Source: http://www.the-tree.org.uk/BritishTrees/alder.htm