Common Buckthorn
Other Names : Rhamnus cathartica, purging buckthorn
Buckthorn is from Rhamnaceae family of plants and is usually classified as a deciduous tree. This family of plants consists of at least 100 varieties of shrubs and small trees. It is often mixed up with Sea Buckthorn. The bark and berries are used as medicine. (See Precautions)
Special Precautions of Common Buckthorn
- The fresh berries and bark are known to cause poisoning. The best bark that can be used is bark that is 3 to 4 years old. It is important to age the bark for a year at least. Once you have the bark, keep it in storage for a year. You can even dry the bark in the oven and then store it.
- usually recommended for short and small doses.
- contraindicated for pregnant or breast feeding women.
- not advised for children.
- not for external use and is rarely used in aromatherapy applications too.
- better avoided if you have aggravated forms of intestinal diseases like appendicitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Don't confuse with Sea Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn.
health Benefits and Uses of Common Buckthorn
The plant contains anthraquinone glycosides, acids like ascorbic acid, pectins, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins. The seeds contain Glucofrangulin and frangulin, Emodin and emodinanthrone.
- The plant helps clean toxins from the body.
- It can be strongly purgative and it is therefore used in the treatment of constipation. In some cases, where a patient has had rectal surgery, this herb is given so that the patient has soft stools that do not aggravate the surgery area. Due to its bitter taste and strength, it is often used as the last resort treatment.
- Its diuretic properties help cleanse the blood.
- This herb is used for liver, gall bladder problems and intestinal problems in people.
- Home treatments for colic, obesity, dropsy and hemorrhoids, all use buckthorn.
- The herb can also be used in small quantities, in the treatment of certain skin problems like that of warts as also in relieving itching.
- The berries infusion or syrup, when had hot, can induce perspiration and help in reducing fever.
- This mixture can also treat lead poisoning, gout, rheumatism, and expel parasites.
Dosage
The dosage can vary 1 teaspoon of bark with ½ cup cold water is usually recommended for a decoction. You can also make a cold extract using the same proportions. A tincture can be made with 5 to 20 drops of this mixture depending on how much is needed. To use the berries, you need to make a syrup with about 2-10 ounces of berries boiled with water and sugar.
