It has long been among the Slavs, it was valued for its healing properties. In folk medicine, almost all parts of this tree are used: bark, leaves, cones. We will talk about the latter.
Chemical composition of seed heads
Tannins in the composition - this is exactly what gives an astringent, hemostatic effect, these include tannin (about 2.5%) and gallic acid (about 4%).
Did you know? Alder coal has long been highly valued in the manufacture of gunpowder.
Also in the cones are present:
- flavonoids;
- protocatechuic acid;
- chlorogenic acid;
- fatty oil (about 16%);
- steroids;
- terpenoids.
Medicinal properties
Broths and tinctures of cones have anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, astringent, disinfectant properties. 
Due to their ability to reduce fermentation and rotting, they are actively used in the fight against indigestion. Well proven in stomatitis and bleeding gums.
In addition to alder cones, medicinal properties also have hop cones and pine.
Medical applications
Alder cones are very common in traditional medicine, they are used to treat many diseases:
- colitis;
- intestinal infections;
- inflammations of the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine;
- ulcerative colitis;
- articular rheumatism;
- gout;
- malaria;
- colds;
- bleeding gums;
- sore throat.
Did you know? In the mythology of the Komi people, alder was considered a sacred tree that can tell about the death of a person.
Application in everyday life
Cones have found their application not only in medicine, but also in everyday life. For example, they are put in aquariums. And not only for ornamental purposes - the acids contained in the seedlings are suitable for acidifying water. 
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If there are shrimps or crayfish in the aquarium, the stems will help to cope with the fungus, tannins in the composition have a positive effect on the shells of crustaceans.
Video: application of alder cones in the aquarium
One hundred liters of water should be put from 5 to 10 cones, depending on the desired acidity. The effect lasts for two months, after it is worth making an update.
Important! Water from the cones can become brownish. It will not harm water inhabitants and algae.
Alder seedlings were loved not only by aquarists, but also needlewomen. They are often used for the decoration of handmade products, well combined with other dried flowers, berries, twigs, anise.
They are used in flower compositions and panels. Look harmoniously with coffee beans and can decorate topiary (coffee trees). Especially they are relevant in the compositions on the New Year theme and fit perfectly into the Christmas wreaths.
Contraindications
With an abundance of useful properties, there are still contraindications to the use of alder seedlings:
- individual intolerance (allergies);
- pregnancy;
- lactation period.
Harvesting and storage of raw materials
The period of harvesting alder seedlings falls on the end of autumn and lasts all winter. You can collect them in several ways:
- cut off small twigs and after manually cutting off the cones;
- trot the shrub and collect fallen seedlings.
Dry cones can be in the oven or oven, as well as in attics, occasionally stirring. The drying temperature must not exceed 60 ° C. 
Dried seedlings should be about 2 cm in length. Sizes up to 1.5 cm are acceptable, but preferably without them. Color - brown or brownish.
Important! You can not use cones with mold, not fully dried, with an unpleasant musty smell.
With proper storage, the shelf life of the cones is up to three years. It is better to put them in a fabric bag or box with a lid. The room where they are stored must be dry and ventilated.
How to take alder cones: recipes
For the treatment of diseases cones are used in the form of decoction and infusion.
Decoction
The decoction is suitable for treatment:
- gastritis;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and small intestine;
- improve the intestinal microflora.
The recipe is quite simple: pour 50 grams of alder seedlings into a saucepan, pour a liter of water, let it boil and simmer for a quarter of an hour. After this broth further insist (40 minutes), then strain.
Important! Any of the decoctions can be used for external use. In case of burns, skin diseases - to moisten tampons, in case of nosebleeds - to rinse your mouth and gums.
Take a quarter cup 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals in a warm form.
With colitis and dysentery, the decoction is prepared a little differently: 20 grams of cones fall asleep in a container, pour five cups of boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes. Let stand for two hours and filter. 
Take before meals for half a glass of warm broth.
Store broths can be no more than two days in a cool place.
Infusion
For the treatment of problems with the gastrointestinal tract is well suited infusion of alder stems. For its preparation should pour a glass of boiling water two tablespoons of cones.
For the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are used: chaga, propolis tincture, sea buckthorn, flax, calendula, silver Shepherdia, blueberry leaves, anise infusion.
They do not need to be ground beforehand - after two hours the healing infusion is ready. It needs to be filtered and taken in half a glass before meals 3-4 times a day. Eat all the cooked portion preferably during the day.
Alder seedlings - a product unique in medicinal qualities. They help many cope with ailments, without having side effects. They are also easily accessible in a pharmacy or just in the nearest planting or forest.
