Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Buckthorn (commonly referring to either Rhamnus cathartica or Frangula alnus) has been primarily used in traditional herbal medicine as a laxative and for its purported detoxifying properties. Its use for bronchial congestion is based on traditional European herbal practices, where it was sometimes included in formulations aimed at purging the body or supporting overall health, which indirectly may have been thought to benefit respiratory complaints. However, there is scant specific historical documentation that buckthorn was widely or directly used as a remedy for bronchial congestion, cough, or related respiratory conditions. No robust clinical trials or modern pharmacological studies substantiate the use of buckthorn for bronchial congestion. The active compounds in buckthorn, primarily anthraquinone glycosides, are known for their laxative action and do not have demonstrated expectorant, bronchodilatory, or anti-inflammatory effects relevant to respiratory tract congestion. Therefore, while there is some traditional basis for its use in general health or "cleansing" formulations, there is little direct evidence—either traditional or scientific—to recommend buckthorn specifically for bronchial congestion. Its use for this purpose today is not common and is not supported by clinical guidelines.

More about buckthorn
More about Congestion (bronchial)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)

Other health conditions supported by buckthorn

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