Alnus rubra
от Edwin M. Hale — Materia Medica and Special Therapeutics of the New Remedies
Volume I — Special Symptomatology
{Tag Alder.)
Botanical Description. — This is an indigenous shrub, growing by the side of streams, in swamps, wet grounds and marshes. It is the Alnus serrulata of Wildenow, and is known by the common name of Tag Alder, from the tops, or cones, with which it is covered in winter. It grows in clumps or thickets. Stems numerous, from ten to eighteen feet high. It blossoms in March and April, bearing flowers of a reddish-green color. The bark is the part used in medicine; it is inodorous, and has a slightly bitter astringent taste. Boiling water and dilute alcohol extract its medicinal properties. Alnuin is a dry, powdered extract, said to contain the active principles of this agent.
Officinal Preparations.— The tincture and dilutions made from the bark; triturations prepared from the Alnuin; a decoction.
Sphere of Action— An Antipsoric; acts principally upon the skin and glandular system.
Analogues.— Sulphur, Stillingia, Arsenicum, Iodide of Potash, {Hamamelis,) Iodide of Mercury, Phytolacca, Hepar Sulphur.
Generalities.
° Cutaneous eruptions, such as impetigo. {? )
° Scrofulous eruptions, (?) syphilitic skin diseases. (?)
° Chronic herpes and porrigo. (?)
° Diseases of mucous membrane which arise from or alternate
with eruptions of the skin. ° Scrofulous disease of the hip joints.
° Hematuria! and other passive hemorrhages. {No proving.)
Volume II — Special Therapeutics
Although a notice of this medicine appeared in all three editions of “ New Remedies,” we know of no provings or clinical reports. I have had no experience with it, but have observed several cures in cases of obstinate chronic eruptions, such as impetigo, prurigo, herpes, etc.
It is said to be particularly useful in cases where eruptions on the skin alternate with diseased conditions of mucous membranes.
Scrofulous enlargement of the glands, and even haematuria, have been, it is said, treated successfully with the Alnus. I am in doubt whether it is an “antipsoric” or not. The same may be said of the