Common Names
Alder Buckthorn, Alder Dogwood, Alder Buckthorn
Botanical Name
Rhamnus frangula
Family
Rhamnaceae
Medicinal Uses
Constipation
Properties
Bitter, Laxative
Parts Used
The aged or heated bark
Constituents
bitters, anthraquinones, flavonoids, and tannins
Habitat
It is native to most of Europe and spreads as far as western China. It grows best in wet soils and open woods, thriving in scrubs, hedgerows, wet heathland, river banks and bogs. Although it prefers acidic soils it can grow on neutral soils as well.
Side Effects
It might cause low potassium; heart problems; stomach problems; muscle weakness; and blood problems, including blood in the urine. If the buckthorn is not aged, it is not laxative, it is purgative, causing intense intestinal spasms and vomiting.
How to Prepare
1. Take only the amount of bark needed to produce a soft stool.
2. Alder buckthorn is also taken as a tea. The tea is prepared by steeping 2 grams of the herb in 150 mL of boiling water for 5-10 minutes and then straining.
3. Alder buckthorn is also available as a liquid extract. The common dose of the liquid extract: (1:1 in 25% alcohol) is 2-5 mL three times daily.
