Melody Ann's

Buckthorn - Alder

 Ø  BUCKTHORN - Relieves constipation, tonic, laxative and cathartic

            §      Warning: Should not be use by people with chronic gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers, colitis, or hemorrhoids. Pregnant women should not take this herb 

∞      Botanical name:  Rhamnus cathartica, R. frangula 

∞      This information clearly states that Buckthorn does have benefit.  

---Description---  

---Family---   Rhamnaceae; other members include cascara sagrada 

--- Synonyms--- Purging buckthorn, frangula, alder buckthorn 

---Parts Used--- Berries; bark

---Constituents--- Anthraquinones

---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Buckthorn doesn’t treat jaundice or arthritis.  And it’s more likely to aggravate hemorrhoids than help them.  But, its laxative action is so powerful, it’s considered a purgative.

·         Purgative – It is one of the ingredients in the over-the-counter laxative Movicol.

·         Intriguing Possibility – Buckthorn has an anti-tumor effect, according to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, but other studies need to be conducted. Before this herb can be used to treat cancer.The medicinal use of the berries was familiar to all the writers on botany and materia medica of the sixteenth century, though Dodoens in his Herbal wrote: ‘They be not meat to be administered but to the young and lusty people of the country which do set more store of their money than their lives.’

---Nutrient Source---

---Side Effects or Negative Effects--- Should be used cautiously.  In sufficient amounts it may cause severe abdominal cramping.  Buckthorn must be thoroughly dried.  Otherwise it causes vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and violent diarrhea.  If these symptoms occur, seek professional medical attention immediately.

---Deterrent---

  ---References--- “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines” by – Michael Castleman Copyright 1991; ISBN: 0-87857-934-6 

  ---References--- A Modern Herbal - Buckthorns  - http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/buckth80.html   

  ---References--- “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008 

  ---References--- “Healing Herbal Teas” A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages.  By – Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. ISBN - 13: 978-59120-110-6 and ISBN – 10: 1-59120-110-1 Copyright 2006 

  ---References---  “Herbal Medicine” The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well; By Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D ISBN – 0-517-147647-x; Copyright 1996 

  ---References---  

Ø  Recipe: Infusion – ½ tsp each of dried buckthorn bark, fennel seed, and chamomile flowers (which soothe the stomach) steeped in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. 

Ø  Recipe: Decoction – boil 1 tsp of dried buckthorn in 3 cups of water and steep for 20 minutes.  Drink cool, 1 TBS at a time before bed. 

∞      Definition –

Buckthorn Glossy

Burkthron - Rhamnus Frangula