Biological Name: Rhamnus cathartica

Family: Rhamnaceae

Other Names: purging buckthorn, waythorn, Common buckthorn

Elements Applied: Fruit is commonly applied in herbal medicine

Active Components: Anthraquinones are mostly responsible for the herb’s effects.

History: Buckthorn produces a strong laxative effect. Due to its stated strength the herb should be used only if no remedy can help relieve constipation. Buckthorn started gaining its popularity in the XIII century in Great Britain. Buckthorn was then revealed to take an effective and quick action on stubborn cases of constipation. Additionally, homoeopathists suggest taking the herb for menstrual irregularity, arthritis, gout, hemorrhoids, and jaundice. The remedy is alleged to produce an effect on cancer, but there is no sufficient proof to believe the statement.

Used For: The herb is used to induce urination and relieve constipation.

Mature berries of common buckthorn have been applied in dried form to relieve constipation since the IX century. To produce a laxative effect these berries should be either eaten or produced to infusion. Make syrup of fresh berries, as well.

Additional Info: Common buckthorn is indigenous to eastern areas of the US, Asia, and Europe. It’s characterized as a deciduous bush which is commonly found on the hedges. The plant is often found wild growing across wood edges, and the height it may reach is up to 12 feet. The branches are commonly sharp at the top, bearing leaves which are elliptic or ovate in form, and grow oppositely on the stems. The blossoming period starts in late spring and lasts through early summer, when small yellow-colored flowers appear. The fruit is a drupe, black-colored, and looks like a berry.

Preparation and Intake: Berries are taken dry at a quantity of 1/10 ounce to 2/10 ounce for grown-ups and half a dose for children.

To prepare syrup, take fresh juice from berries and boil it adding sugar to produce a syrup-like substance.

Safety: Warning! Berries taken in large amounts may result in poisoning. Take the herb only if you feel no alternative can be used. Don’t use without medical control. The herb is not recommended during pregnancy, as well.

Buckthorn should be used for not more than two weeks. Long-term application may lead to loose bowels, a condition, in which intestinal walls are incapable of moving without medical aid.

Ensure buckthorn is well dried before usage. Taken fresh, it can lead to strong vomiting, stomachache, and diarrhea. Homoeopathists suggest drying the fruit for one to two years before taking it.

If you’re exposed to severe diarrhea or bowel pains after using the herb, quit taking it and call your health-care provider at once.