Buckthorn Bark
Buckthorn Bark
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, youÍve used too much.
Precautions
You should not use buckthorn or any other laxative if you have appendicitis, CrohnÍs 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.