Buckthorn
Useful properties and use of buckthorn, buckthorn bark
Botanical characteristics of buckthorn
Buckthorn is a fairly large shrub, the height of which can vary from 1.5 to 7 m. The trunk of the plant is covered with gray bark. Petiole leaves have a wide elliptical shape. Flowers with pedicels do not exceed 1 cm in length and are arranged in bunches of several pieces. Many insects are attracted by special nectaries, which are very well developed in buckthorn. Buckthorn fruit is a spherical drupe about 1 cm in size, which has 2-3 seeds. The presented plant blooms in late May - early June, and it reproduces by seed. This shrub prefers fertile soil and often grows on forest edges, in forests, in ravines and along river banks. You can meet this plant in the European part of Russia, as well as in Western Siberia.
Useful properties of buckthorn
In the leaves, bark, fruits and buds of brittle buckthorn, anthraglycosides were found in large quantities, which determine the main main pharmacological action of this unusual plant: it has an irritating property. In addition, the fruits and leaves of this shrub contain ascorbic acid and alkaloids. Buckthorn is a mild laxative.
Buckthorn application
Buckthorn bark. Buckthorn bark has been collected for medicinal purposes since ancient times. It is effective for chronic constipation. To prepare the broth, you will need 1 tablespoon of chopped bark and 200 ml of water. It is recommended to take half a glass of the product every day before bedtime.
Buckthorn as a laxative
The bark of buckthorn bark is used in medicine to create medicines that help get rid of constipation. Along with this, such a plant helps to restore stool in a short time.
Buckthorn for weight loss
Due to the fact that this plant has a clear laxative effect, it is often used for weight loss in combination with popular protein diets. In addition, buckthorn can be used for complete bowel cleansing.
Buckthorn extract is a pharmaceutical product that must be taken in 40 drops for chronic constipation.
Buckthorn root
Buckthorn root is used in choleretic preparations. The composition of such a drug includes 20 g of flax seeds, 10 g of caraway seeds, 15 g of buckthorn roots, 15 g of angelica roots, 20 g of nettle leaves, 10 g of peppermint and 30 g of sage leaves. This collection is poured over 200 g of boiling water and insisted for 1 hour. It must be taken warm daily. In addition, buckthorn roots can be useful for making decorative plywood, boot nails, and various carvings.
Buckthorn fruit
Broth of buckthorn fruits brittle perfectly cures various skin diseases.
Buckthorn leaf
With careful research, alkaloids were found in buckthorn leaves, which help to normalize blood circulation. A decoction of fresh leaves has long been used to restore strength and improve appearance
Buckthorn berries
Buckthorn berries are an excellent anthelmintic agent. However, they should be taken with extreme caution, since only a dozen unripe berries can even lead a person to death.
Buckthorn during pregnancy
This plant is contraindicated for ladies in an interesting position due to the fact that it causes a significant rush of blood into the small pelvis, which in turn can lead to miscarriage.
Buckthorn alder
Buckthorn alder is a rather tall tree with dark brown bark and a smooth trunk. The petiolate leaves are oval. Small flowers are collected in bunches. The presented plant blooms from May to July. It can be found on the shores of lakes in the Caucasus, in the eastern part of Russia, in Central Asia and Siberia. For medical purposes, the medicinal buckthorn bark is mainly used, which should be harvested in early spring. The bark tastes bitter and odorless. For the treatment of chronic hemorrhoids, this herb is the best choice.
Buckthorn tincture: to prepare the buckthorn bark tincture, pour the crushed plant raw materials with 30% alcohol. The ratio will be 1: 5. Before starting treatment for hemorrhoids, the tincture should be kept for at least 10 days at room temperature.
Buckthorn fragile
Buckthorn brittle (asplenifolia) is a large, tall shrub that has narrow foliage. The leaves of the plant are fern-like. This type of buckthorn blooms in July and early July with small yellowish flowers that attract insects with their aroma. The dark red fruits of this beautiful plant are globular and highly poisonous.
American buckthorn
American Buckthorn grows in the form of a shrub, which reaches a height of 8 meters. Numerous nondescript flowers are presented in axillary clusters. Ripe fruits are black. This plant can be found on the Pacific coast of North America. After a one-year storage, American buckthorn is used as a laxative, making liquid extracts and decoctions.
Contraindications to the use of buckthorn
Taking medications that are made from fresh bark can cause nausea and, in some cases, vomiting, as well as stomach pain. Such negative properties of the herb, as a rule, are neutralized by long-term storage. It should also be noted that during the use of decoctions, it is necessary to take elementary precautions so that diarrhea does not occur.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
