Rhamnus cathartica Origin- Hungary

Also known as

Rhamnus frangula, Alder Dogwood, Arrow Wood, Black Dogwood, Buckthorn, Buckthorn Bark, Dog Wood, Frangula Alnus, Frangula Bark, Frangulae Cortex, Glossy Buckthorn, Rhamnus Frangula.

Introduction

The buckthorn is a shrub native to Europe and the Middle East. It has been used as a laxative since the seventeenth century, and it was brought to the United States with early settlers for that purpose. Buckthorn is a popular ingredient in European laxative extracts, tablets, and teas, and, oddly enough, added to sun block. Buckthorn is never used fresh. It must be aged for at least a year to break down its anthrone chemicals. If the buckthorn is not aged, it is not laxative, it is purgative, causing intense intestinal spasms and vomiting. The herb can be artificially aged by heating but some useful constituents may be lost.

Constituents

1,8-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives (in the aged bark), flavonoids, and tannins.

Parts Used

Properly aged bark. (1 year recommended)

Typical Preparations

Best taken as a tablet, can be used as a tea but is hard to drink given its bitter taste. May also be prepared as an extract.

Summary

The 1,8-dihydroxy-anthracenes in buckthorn act on the nerves in the intestinal tract, numbing the nerves that hold back stool and stimulating the nerves that propel stool downward. If you experience cramping, you?ve used too much.

Precautions

You should not use buckthorn or any other laxative if you have appendicitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. Not recommended for children under 12. Not recommended while pregnant. Avoid long term use, and discontinue in the event of diarrhea or watery stools

For educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Information Obtained from mountain rose herbs @ http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Folklore Information