#fearna

Grey alder — Alnus incana, feàrna. For the throat that has been shouting. Or clenching. Or swallowing things it shouldn't have to.

Dried inner bark only — small pieces, aged several months minimum, never fresh. One teaspoon to a cup of water, simmered ten minutes, strained, cooled to warm. Gargle and spit. As an external wash it's good on weepy skin and old-fashioned foot soaks.

Read this part twice. Fresh bark will make you vomit — that is precisely why the traditional preparation insists on drying and aging. High in tannins, which bind iron and blunt oral medications, so leave two hours either side of anything you take on a schedule. Skip it in pregnancy, if you're anemic, or if you're on medication you can't afford to have dulled. And be certain of your identification — do not confuse alder with buckthorn, which is a violent purgative. If there's any doubt, buy the dried bark rather than stripping a tree you're eighty percent sure about.

What do you reach for when your throat's been used hard?

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