AKA: Rhamnus frangula, Frangula alnus, Alder Buckthorn, Frangula Bark, Black Alder, Glossy Buckthorn, Black Dogwood, European Alder Buckthorn

The buckthorn is small shrub like tree that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. It was introduced to North America sometime during the 1800's where it flourished and has gone on to be considered an invasive species in some habitats. The buckthorn grows up to a height of twenty feet, and bears oblong, feather-veined leaves that grow alternately. The leaves are dark green in the summer and turn a greenish-yellow to yellow in the fall, remaining on the tree long after other leaves on other trees have fallen off. From May to September, the buckthorn blooms yellow green flowers. The true also bears red fruit that ripens, turning black, at the height of summer in the months of July and August. The buckthorn can be found in abandoned fields, forest edges, pastures, gardens and even vacant lots. It thrives in well-drained, neutral to acidic soil, and does well in full sun or partial shade.

Benefits and Uses

* Purgative
* Laxative
* Antispetic
* Promotes healthy gallbladder
* Promotes liver functions
* Helps relieve jaundice and hepatitis
* Helps with hemmorhoids

The bark of the plant is what is used for medicinal purposes. It has a neutral odor and a sweetish to slightly bitter taste.  The bark is stripped from young plants during the spring or early summer and then dried for one to two years before it is utilized as a mild, yet highly effective laxative. The longer the bark is dried, the milder the purging effects. The bark includes crystalline glucoside, anthraquinones (emodin, Aloe-emodin, rhamnicoside, frangula-emodin, alaterin, chryophanol, rein) flavonoid glycosides, resins and tannic acid.

The anthraquinones, which remain in the intestines and irritate the intestinal wall are thought to help stimulate elimination. The glycosides which are absorbed into the intestine and bloodstream and go on to stimulate the lower intestine are also thought to help serve in the mild elimination process. Buchthorn bark is listed in both the British Pharmacopoeia and the United States Pharmacopoeia for its mild cathartic properties.

The bark of the Buckthorn is effective in cases of both chronic constipation and atonic constipation caused by inadequate fluids, poor diet, and the abuse of purgatives which results is the loss of natural reflexes. The bark is also thought to ease abdominal bloating and the tannins that it contains is used to help treat hemorrhoids.

The Buckthorn Bark can also stimulate both the liver and gallbladder. The herb is thought to be helpful in treating various liver disorders such as jaundice, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It is also increases the flow of bile which helps with a sluggish gallbladder, and it can also help the body eliminate gallstones. Externally, the bark has antiseptic properties that helps alleviate gum disease and scalp infestation.

Dosage

Take one capsule, once a day with water during a meal

Warnings

Pregnant or nursing women should not use buchthorn bark. People with colitis should also abstain from using it.

coming soon....