Herbal Pharmacy – Buckthorn

By Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD on

Buckthorn has been historically used as a laxative, however, it is more mild than Cascara sagrada. This plant is very aggressive often considered an invasive plant because it forms dense thickets leading to the crowding out of other plants. In Illinois certain species of Buckthorn falls under the Illinois Exotic Weed Act and can not be sold in Illinois.

Depending if it is a shrub or tree it can grow up to 25 feet.

Latin name

Frangula alnus (also Rhamnus frangula)

Parts of the plant used for herbal medicines

Bark

Phytochemicals present in the plant

hydroxyanthraquinone, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids

Other names for this plant include:

Alder buckthorn, highwaythorn, waythron, hartsthorn, ramsthorn

MEDICINAL USES

Promotes bowel movements – if a laxative is needed buckthorn may be a place to start. Approximately 8 to 12 hours after taking buckthorn is when a bowel movement can occur.

If you take it in the evening time this should encourage a morning bowel movement.

Mouth and Scalp irritations – Historically this has been used as a mouthwash and as a rinse for the scalp.

Wart removal – Repeated applications of buckthorn can help remove warts

Helps to stop bleeding – Apply this to a wound can help stop bleeding.

Warning –

Buckthorn may cause loos stools. Taking fresh bark can cause vomiting.

Herbal pharmacy recipes

Decoction

1-2 teaspoons per cup, simmer for 10 to 12 minutes covered. Take before bedtime

Hair rinse – 3 tablespoons per pint should be steeped for 1 hour. Strain and soak a washcloth. Apply to scalp or affected area.

Tincture – 30 to 60 drops taken as needed.

Harvesting

Remove bark from branches that have fallen.

The bark can be cut to small pieces, dried and stored for up to year.

See warning – fresh bark can cause vomiting

Author
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Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD

Dr. Johnson is a tenured associate Professor and licensed Pharmacist.

His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.

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