Buckthorn (purging buckthorn)

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Buckthorn (purging buckthorn)Rhamnus catharticus This page contains information on buckthorn and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as constipation, intestinal parasites and gallstones. On this page Botanical classification of buckthorn Description of buckthorn Parts used Properties of buckthorn Internal use External use Use of essential oil Safety precautions and warnings Used in the following products Herbal Index Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range

of products, please click here. Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds. Botanical Classification Family Rhamnaceae Genus and specie Rhamnus catharticus Other names Frangula and alder buckthorn. Description of the herb

buckthorn Buckthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that forms a thicket. The herb reaches about 20 ft in height. It has shiny, dark green leaves and produces black, pea-size berries. Parts used The berries and bark are used for medicinal purposes. Properties Cleans toxins from tissues and is bitter,diuretic and strongly purgative. The fruit contains anthraquinone glycosides, as well as organic acids, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), pectins, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins, while emodin, emodinanthrone, glucofrangulin and frangulins are more readily found in the seeds. The anthranoids of the emodin type are not absorbed or hydrolyzed in the upper

digestive tract, but are broken down into anthrones when they reach the colon, which creates faster bowel movements and enhances the secretion of water, while inhibiting its re-absorption in the colon, thereby creating softer more liquefied stools. Therapeutic uses Internal use Buckthorn is considered a last resort treatment for constipation, or in cases where soft stool is desirable - such as with hemorrhoids or after rectal surgery. In folk medicine it is used as a "blood purifier", as well as a diuretic. It is also used in very small amounts to help treat skin problems, as well as intestinal parasites and gallstones. External use None noted. Aromatherapy and

essential oil use None noted. Safety precautions and warnings Not to be used by pregnant or breast feeding women, or children under 12. It is also contraindicated in cases of obstruction or inflammation of the intestines, such as appendicitis, colitis or Crohn's disease. Buckthorn must be taken very cautiously for short periods of time in amounts typically recommended. http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-buckthorn.htm

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