Buckthorn (Rhamnus)
Synopsis of buckthorn
Buckthorn refers to several species in the Rhamnus genus, with the most commonly used being Rhamnus cathartica (common or European buckthorn) and Rhamnus frangula (also known as Frangula alnus or alder buckthorn). These deciduous shrubs are native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, and have been used traditionally for their potent laxative and detoxifying properties. The bark and berries are the primary medicinal parts, rich in anthraquinone glycosides such as emodin and frangulin, which stimulate bowel movements by increasing intestinal peristalsis.
Medicinally, buckthorn is used to:
- Relieve occasional constipation
- Support colon cleansing and detox programs
- Aid in bowel regularity during convalescence or after surgery
- Prepare the bowel before medical procedures, such as colonoscopies (in historical contexts)
- Gently stimulate the liver and bile flow, especially with alder buckthorn
Because of its strength, buckthorn is usually taken in small doses and often blended with soothing herbs like licorice or fennel to reduce cramping. The bark must be aged for at least a year or heat-treated before use to reduce harshness and potential for nausea.
Historical Use:
Buckthorn bark has been used for centuries in European herbal medicine. Hippocrates and later Galenic physicians used buckthorn for its strong purgative action, often prescribing it in cases of stubborn constipation, intestinal parasites, and liver sluggishness.
During the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, buckthorn was considered a standard cathartic (cleansing) herb, though its harshness made it controversial. Nicholas Culpeper and other early herbalists recommended it with caution due to its potency.
Rhamnus frangula, considered milder, became a preferred alternative in 19th-century European and American herbalism, especially for use in the elderly, convalescent, or chronically constipated.
Today, buckthorn is still found in natural laxative formulas and herbal detox blends, though its use is typically short-term and under guidance, due to the potential for dependency and electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use. It represents a powerful botanical tool for colon cleansing, best reserved for situations where a gentle but effective stimulant laxative is needed.
Buckthorn is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
buckthorn is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Rectum (Traditional)
