Rhamnus frangula

Rhamnus frangula
Family:Rhamnus frangula; Aperient; Cathartic; Cholagogue; Laxative; Purgative; Tonic; Vermifuge.
Common name:Alder buckthorn
Alder buckthorn has been used medicinally as a gentle laxative since at least the Middle Ages. The bark contains 3 - 7% anthraquinones these act on the wall of the colon stimulating a bowel movement approximately 8 - 12 hours after ingestion. It is so gentle and effective a treatment when prescribed in the correct dosages that it is completely safe to use for children and pregnant women. The bark also contains anthrones and anthranols these induce vomiting but the severity of their effect is greatly reduced after the bark has been dried and stored for a long time. The bark is harvested in early summer from the young trunk and moderately sized branches it must then be dried and stored for at least 12 months before being used The inner bark is cathartic cholagogue laxative (the fresh bark is violently purgative) tonic vermifuge. It is taken internally as a laxative for chronic atonic constipation and is also used to treat abdominal bloating hepatitis cirrhosis jaundice and liver and gall bladder complaints. It should be used with caution since excess doses or using the bark before it is cured can cause violent purging. Externally the bark is used to treat gum diseases and scalp infestations or as a lotion for minor skin irritations. The fruit is occasionally used it is aperient without being irritating.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:32 []