Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula (Frangula alnus) Rhamnaceae)

Other Names: Dog Hazel, Dog Grapes

This shrub thrives in swamp forests and thickets across Europe, growing upright to a height of three to five meters. Its brownish-gray bark is marked with whitish growths. Pale green flowers bloom in May and June, producing small red berries that turn black when ripe.

Parts for Use

Bark

1. The bark is stripped from young stems or branches during flowering.
2. It is chopped into pieces, dried, and used to prepare decoctions.
3. Fresh bark is toxic and must be dried and aged for at least one year before use.

Ingredients

The bark of alder buckthorn contains anthracene derivatives, known for their effectiveness in treating constipation.

Use in Treatment

Alder buckthorn has long been used as a remedy for constipation, promoting bowel movements by increasing water and electrolyte absorption in the gut. Prolonged use may cause diarrhea and potassium loss. In commercial products, the bark is often combined with other ingredients. It is also believed to stimulate urination and promote bile secretion in the gallbladder, aiding in the treatment of liver and gallbladder issues such as jaundice, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. A decoction applied to the gums can treat gingivitis, and when rubbed into the hair, it serves as an anti-lice remedy. Studies from 1976 demonstrated that alder buckthorn seed extract slows tumor growth, and in 1991, U.S. researchers confirmed the antiviral activity of an extract from this plant.

Cultivation

Alder buckthorn is best grown from seeds sown in the fall, thriving in sunny or lightly shaded areas with neutral to acidic soil. This hardy shrub can withstand temperatures as low as -35°C.

Preparation and Dosage

Alder buckthorn preparations may interact with medications such as corticosteroids or antiarrhythmic drugs, so consult a healthcare professional before use.

Warnings

1. Consult a professional before use.
2. Fresh alder buckthorn bark is toxic and should not be used.
3. Avoid alder buckthorn during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
4. Do not use if you have intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
5. Do not administer to children under 15 years of age.
6. Avoid exceeding recommended doses, as this may cause cramps.
7. Consult your doctor before using alder buckthorn.