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Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula syn. Frangula alnus)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Rhamnaceae
  • Common Names: Alder Buckthorn, Black Dogwood, Frangula
  • Parts Used: Bark (aged or dried)

Description

Rhamnus frangula, commonly known as Alder Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Its bark has a long history of use as a gentle laxative and digestive aid. The bark must be aged or heat-treated before use to reduce its anthraquinone content, which can be irritating in fresh form.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in European and traditional Western herbalism for constipation and digestive sluggishness.
  • Traditionally employed to stimulate bile flow and support liver function.
  • Sometimes included in cleansing and detoxification formulations.
  • Used externally in traditional medicine for skin conditions such as rashes and wounds.

Constituents

  • Anthraquinone glycosides (frangulin, emodin)
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids
  • Bitter principles

Actions

  • Laxative (Mild to Moderate)
  • Cholagogue (Stimulates bile flow)
  • Digestive tonic
  • Astringent
  • Antimicrobial

Medicinal Uses

1. Gentle Laxative Support:
Aged Alder Buckthorn bark is commonly used for occasional constipation, working as a mild stimulant laxative that encourages bowel movement.

2. Liver and Gallbladder Support:
Stimulates bile secretion, promoting digestion and detoxification.

3. Digestive Aid:
Traditionally used for sluggish digestion and bloating.

4. Skin Health (External Use):
Sometimes applied externally in washes for minor skin conditions and irritations.

Preparation and Dosage

⚠️ Note: The bark must be dried and aged for at least one year or heat-treated before use to reduce irritating compounds.

Decoction (Tea from Aged Bark):

  • 1 tsp of dried, aged bark per cup of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to once daily as needed.

Tincture:

  • 2-4 ml taken up to twice daily.

Powder:

  • 250-500 mg, taken once daily as needed.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use due to its strong laxative properties.
  • Fresh Bark Toxicity: Fresh bark contains active compounds that can cause vomiting and severe cramping; always use aged bark.
  • Long-Term Use: Should not be used regularly for more than two weeks to prevent dependency.
  • Bowel Disorders: Avoid in cases of inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, or abdominal pain of unknown origin.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Bitter and cooling; promotes elimination and detoxification.
  • Traditional European Medicine: Used to gently stimulate digestion and cleanse the intestines.
  • Ayurveda: Balancing for Kapha but may aggravate Vata in excess.

Combinations

  • For Constipation: Combine with licorice root and fennel.
  • For Liver Support: Combine with dandelion and burdock.
  • For Detoxification: Combine with milk thistle and yellow dock.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Bark is collected in spring or autumn and dried for at least one year before use.
  • Drying: Spread thinly in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried bark in airtight containers away from moisture and heat.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Rhamnus frangula’s mild laxative effects and liver-supportive properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Alder Buckthorn remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for gentle digestive and detoxification support.