Alder Buckthorn

"Studies have also shown that if taken over a long period, alder buckthorn can cause diarrhea and potassium loss." - Nature's Medicines, Reader's Digest.

On the same herb, Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by George D. Pamplona-Roger writes:

" It does not produce...liquid defecation...It does not cause loss of potassium..."

If I live in Europe where this herb is common, I will have a hard time deciding : " to take or not to take" it should I ever get THAT constipated, with this kind of contradicting information.

Birds that feed on the seeds seem to benefit from its laxative property. ( Coming to think of it, do birds get constipated? ) Then this Canadian source reported a cow that died from eating too much of its leaves, twigs and berries.

We humans do not eat like that cow.

We humans know the brownish grey fresh bark covered in whittish warty spots is poisonous. Yes, eating the fresh bark can make you vomit. Somehow somebody noticed that the toxin can be transformed into a cherished laxative after drying the bark for at least one year. Even the dried bark has to be used discreetly, over dosage can cause convulsions.

To make a decoction, boil 30g of ground bark in 500ml of water for 20 minutes. Steep for a few hours to increase effectiveness. It is a mild laxative that works slowly. Preferably consumed at night. Commercially produced bark is mixed with other ingredients.

It has many synonyms, but the one that interest me is the Spanish name: Frangula. Other laxative herbs that share similar properties are cascara sagrada and senna.

Return from Alder Buckthorn to Homepage