Information on Buckthorn
| Latin Name |
| Rhamnus catharticus |
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| Other Names |
| Purging buckthorn |
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| Affects |
| Digestive system, Liver |
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| Herb Forms |
| Tinctures, capsules, bulk herb, powder. |
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| Dosages |
Tincture: 1-3 droppersful daily
Decoction: 1/2 to 1 cup daily |
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| Cautions |
| Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Contraindicated in abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction and inflammation, and for children under the age of twelve. |
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| Botanical Information |
| A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree with finely toothed leaves and black berries. The bark is yellow on the inner surface and tastes extremely bitter and sweet. |
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| Description |
Buckthorn is a popular European herb used widely as a mild laxative. It also contains alterative properties, has been recommended for rheumatism (to clear heat), and was one of the ingredients of the famous Hoxsey cure for cancer.
Other preparations: As a light decoction, 2-4 grams/dose, in the evening.
Buckthorn has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COLD. |
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| References |
| Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
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Ailments treated by Buckthorn
| Ailment |
Treatment Support |
Application |
| Constipation |
laxative |
tincture, capsule, tea |
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