Medicinal Plants : Rhamnus fragula

Name

Alder Buckthorn

Biological Name

Rhamnus fragula
Buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae

Other Names

Alder Buckthorn, Arrowwood, Black Dogwood, Glossy Buckthorn, European buckthorn, black alder dogwood, black alder tree, Persian berries, European black alder, Buckthorn

Parts Used

Bark, fruit

History

Alder Buckthorn had been used by ancient Greece (second century AD). In early days, it was used for protection against witchcraft, demons, poisons, and headaches. Later, it became a valuable laxative.

Remedies For

Purgative, diuretic, emetic, vermifuge

Fruit: purgative

Well known cure for constipation. Not habit forming. An effective remedy for appendicitis. Good in rheumatism, gout, dropsy, and skin diseases. When taken hot it will induce profuse perspiration. Expels worms. The ointment is good for itching applied externally; also will remove warts.

Description

Alder Buckthorn is a deciduous tree growing up to 20 feet tall. It has glossy oval leaves. The bark is green when young. As it become older, the bark become gray and marked with whitish transverse ridges. Small greenish-white flowers appear around May-July. The pea sized berries turn from green to red and finally to black as it matures.

Dosage

use as ointment, fomentation or poultice.

Safety

The berries are slightly poisonous and can cause vomiting.

The freshly cut bark should not be used. The bark should be dried for one to two years before using.