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Buckthorn, scientifically known as Frangula alnus Mill. or Rhamnus frangula, is a spontaneous shrub belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, whose discreet yet widespread presence characterizes numerous natural environments in Europe. The name "buckthorn" probably derives from the fragility of its branches, which are particularly flexible and easy to break - a characteristic that also determined its use in craftsmanship in the past. This small tree, native to Europe and Central Asia, has also managed to conquer territories in North Africa and was later naturalized in the eastern United States. Its adaptability has made it a common plant in our ecosystems, particularly in humid places such as riverbanks, forest edges, and marshy areas, where it finds its ideal habitat up to about 1000 meters in altitude.
If you want to make the most of buckthorn's properties, the quality of the bark is essential. At Terzaluna, you can find dried buckthorn bark, ready to use for decoctions and herbal teas. Carefully harvested and processed in harmony with nature's timing, it is the best way to incorporate this remedy into your daily routine.
Alder Buckthorn bark Laxative properties Herbal tea blend From wild harvesting 3,50€ Buy
Buckthorn presents itself as an elegant and easily recognizable shrub:
Its spring flowering offers small discreet flowers, while the complete vegetative cycle provides the spectacle of branches that can simultaneously host buds, flowers, and fruits in various stages of maturation.
The buckthorn bark represents the most valuable part of the plant for herbal and therapeutic use. It is in this thin layer that the beneficial active ingredients are concentrated, particularly the anthraquinone glycosides, responsible for its laxative properties. An essential aspect to highlight is that fresh bark contains irritating substances (anthranols) potentially harmful to the intestines.
For this reason, the bark must necessarily undergo a process of drying and aging for at least 1-2 years before use. This process allows the oxidation of anthranols into anthraquinones, making the bark safe and effective.
At Terzaluna, you can find quality buckthorn bark, already properly dried and ready to use, to ensure you all the benefits of this natural remedy.
This dual mechanism - hydration of intestinal contents and stimulation of peristalsis - explains why the laxative effect of buckthorn bark generally manifests 6-8 hours after ingestion, the time needed for the active ingredients to reach the colon and be metabolized. In addition to anthraquinones, the bark also contains naphthoquinones and traces of peptide alkaloids like frangulanin, along with bitter substances, arachidic acid, and rhamnoxanthin. This complex synergy of components contributes to the overall therapeutic action, enhancing the main effect and providing secondary properties to the plant.
Scientific research confirms the effectiveness of these active ingredients but also emphasizes the importance of the proper preparation of the bark. The presence of anthranols in fresh bark, potentially irritating to the intestines, makes the drying and aging process essential, during which these compounds oxidize into therapeutically active and well-tolerated anthraquinones.
Buckthorn bark, with its rich array of active ingredients, offers numerous benefits that make it a valuable ally for our daily well-being. Here are the main advantages this medicinal plant can provide when used consciously:
Unlike many chemical laxatives, buckthorn does not cause painful intestinal contractions but acts gradually and respectfully of the body's physiology, allowing you to regain your natural rhythm without trauma or imbalances. This gentle yet effective approach represents the essence of conscious phytotherapy: working with nature, not against it.
Nature has its own timing, and buckthorn teaches us this: its bark must rest and age for at least a year before being used. If you don't want to risk immature or low-quality products, at Terzaluna you can find carefully dried buckthorn bark ready for use. Discover it now!
Buckthorn, with its valuable bark, boasts a history of uses as rich as it is fascinating, spanning centuries of folk traditions and herbal practices. This versatile shrub has found applications in surprisingly diverse fields, from traditional medicine to craftsmanship, to now-forgotten industrial applications.
In the field of phytotherapy, buckthorn bark comes in various forms, each suitable for specific needs. On the shelves of modern herbal shops, we can find:
In the past, the versatility of buckthorn went far beyond medicinal use. In the Bologna area, its flexible twigs were skillfully crafted to create pipe straws, while in Switzerland and Eastern European countries, the charcoal obtained from its wood - known for its exceptional rapid combustion - was sought after for the production of gunpowder. Its bark was also used in dyeing, thanks to the natural pigments that could be extracted to color fabrics.
To benefit from the properties of buckthorn bark, it is essential to follow the correct methods of intake.
The decoction is one of the most effective preparations: simply boil about 30-40 grams of dried bark in a liter of water for 10-15 minutes, let it rest covered for several hours (ideally overnight), and filter before use.
For those who prefer quicker methods, the cold infusion offers a gentle alternative: let a teaspoon of chopped bark infuse in a cup of water for an entire day, filter, and consume in the evening before bed, possibly sweetening with a bit of honey.
As for the dry extract, the recommended dose is generally 2-3 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Since the active ingredients of buckthorn take about 10-12 hours to manifest their effect, it is advisable to take any preparation in the evening before bed to reap benefits upon waking.
The plant's sap, less known but equally useful, is sometimes used as a natural mouthwash against canker sores and stomatitis, demonstrating how every part of this medicinal plant can offer beneficial properties when used correctly.
Preparing buckthorn herbal tea requires particular attention, especially regarding dosage. This medicinal plant, with its potent laxative properties, should be used with awareness and adherence to recommended doses to fully enjoy its benefits without experiencing undesirable effects.
It is important to note that, in accordance with European regulations, products containing anthraquinone derivatives like buckthorn bark are subject to specific regulations that limit their continuous use, precisely to protect consumer health.
Here’s how to correctly prepare a buckthorn bark herbal tea with beneficial properties:
The buckthorn herbal tea has a characteristic amber color, which shifts to reddish tones as the steeping time increases. The aroma is intense and slightly earthy, with woody notes that tell the story of this bark with ancient virtues. The ideal time to consume it is in the evening, about an hour before bedtime, considering that the laxative effect generally occurs 8-10 hours after consumption.
For detox cycles, you can alternate buckthorn with other plants with similar properties but different mechanisms of action, such as mallow, marshmallow, or flax seeds, creating a personalized and gentle intestinal wellness program.
A well-made buckthorn herbal tea always starts with quality bark, dried and aged just right. If you don't want to risk products that are too fresh or ineffective, at Terzaluna you can find ready-to-use buckthorn bark, perfect for infusions and decoctions. Buy it now and prepare your herbal tea the right way!
Buckthorn, despite its valuable therapeutic properties, is not suitable for everyone and in some specific situations, its use must be absolutely avoided. Knowing these contraindications is essential for a safe and informed approach to this natural remedy.
Buckthorn bark, with its powerful action on the intestinal system, requires particular caution in various conditions. Firstly, it is categorically not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, periods when the female body needs special protection. Its use is also contraindicated for children under 12 years, and in any case, it is always necessary to consult a pediatrician before administering any buckthorn-based product to young children.
Those suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome should avoid this remedy, which could worsen symptoms and intensify inflammation. Similarly, conditions like intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, inflamed hemorrhoids, or perianal fistulas are absolute contraindications to the use of buckthorn.
Particular attention should be paid in cases of abdominal pain of unknown origin: in these situations, taking laxative remedies like buckthorn could mask important symptoms and delay necessary diagnoses. Even during the menstrual cycle, especially if painful, it is preferable to avoid buckthorn bark, which could intensify cramps and discomfort.
People with kidney problems, particularly glomerulonephritis, should consult their doctor before using this remedy, as should those suffering from gastritis or peptic ulcer, conditions in which the irritation caused by the plant's active ingredients could be problematic.
Equally important is the aspect of allergies: those with known sensitivity to plants of the Rhamnaceae family should refrain from using any buckthorn-based preparation to avoid potentially serious allergic reactions.
In all cases of doubt, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or a qualified herbalist before starting treatment with buckthorn bark, favoring a personalized approach that takes into account your medical history and any ongoing pharmacological therapies.
Although buckthorn is an effective natural remedy, it can cause some undesirable effects that are important to know before using it. The intake of preparations based on buckthorn bark can cause gastrointestinal disturbances of varying intensity, mainly manifesting as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In some particularly sensitive individuals, episodes of vomiting may also occur, especially when the herbal drug is not properly dried.
A particularly critical aspect concerns the prolonged use of this natural remedy. Continuous intake of buckthorn can cause a significant loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium, leading to hypokalemia. This condition occurs when potassium levels in the blood fall below the normal threshold, compromising proper muscle and nerve function.
The consequences of excessively prolonged use are not limited to electrolyte imbalance but can also extend to the urinary system, with the risk of developing nephropathies. Continuous loss of mineral salts can also promote the appearance of edema and, in more severe cases, accelerate the process of bone deterioration, resulting in the weakening of the skeletal structure.
It is essential to pay attention to the signals the body sends during the intake of buckthorn bark. The appearance of persistent abdominal cramps, prolonged diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal disturbances is a clear invitation to discontinue treatment and consult a health professional. These side effects, although generally transient, can become problematic if underestimated or ignored.
To minimize the risk of undesirable effects, it is advisable to start with reduced dosages, checking the individual response, and limit the use of buckthorn to short and well-defined periods, avoiding continuous use that can lead to habituation, making it necessary to increase doses to achieve the same laxative effect.
Buckthorn, with its powerful anthraquinone derivatives, can significantly interact with various drugs, creating potential risks for those undergoing pharmacological therapies. The most relevant interactions concern digitalis glycosides like digoxin, used for heart problems, where the potassium loss caused by buckthorn can amplify the drug's effects, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and other cardiac disorders.
The interaction with diuretics, especially those that do not spare potassium, is particularly delicate. In this case, the combined effect can cause a dangerous electrolyte depletion, with potentially serious consequences on the body's hydro-saline balance. Concurrent intake of buckthorn bark and oral contraceptives also requires caution, as the laxative effect can reduce the absorption of the contraceptive pill, compromising its effectiveness.
An often underestimated aspect concerns buckthorn's ability to reduce intestinal absorption of orally administered drugs. This phenomenon occurs because the acceleration of intestinal transit caused by the plant's active ingredients can prevent the complete absorption of pharmacological substances, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness.
For those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, particular caution is necessary, as alterations in intestinal absorption can affect the blood levels of these medications, with potential hemorrhagic or thrombotic risks. Similarly, drugs for blood sugar control may experience variations in their bioavailability when associated with buckthorn.
The golden rule to avoid problems is simple but essential: always consult your doctor before combining any buckthorn-based preparation with ongoing drug therapies, even when it comes to over-the-counter or seemingly harmless medications. This precaution becomes even more important for those undergoing chronic treatments or taking multiple medications simultaneously, situations where the risk of interactions increases exponentially.
Buckthorn, this precious ally for intestinal well-being, deserves to be chosen with care and awareness. Recognizing quality bark is essential to ensure all the benefits of this natural remedy: it should have a uniform gray-brown coloration, free from mold or alterations, and retain its characteristic slightly bitter aroma. To the touch, good buckthorn bark feels dry but not brittle, a sign of proper drying that preserves its active ingredients.
At Terzaluna, we have passionately and rigorously selected the best buckthorn barks available, following a sourcing process that respects both the plant and the environment.
Our buckthorn bark comes from sustainable harvesting in pristine areas, where the plant grows spontaneously, absorbing all the nutrients of its natural habitat.
Quality makes the difference in this journey, and we at Terzaluna are committed every day to ensuring you can rely on authentic, effective products that respect herbal tradition, to gently and naturally restore your body's balance and harmony.
