Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus)

The buckthorn is a shrub with large scale, which can reach up to 3 meters in height. It remains green all year, with scattered leaves. Its small white flowers are grouped in axillary clusters. The fruit is a drupe that when mature becomes black. It breeds in the bushes, in some thick woods, hedges, etc., of most of our peninsula, usually accompanying the oak. The Nordic peoples were the first to discover its therapeutic properties, with the preparation of a jam purgative.

FLOWERING

The shrub blooms in the early spring, maturing fruit in summer. For medicinal use are harvested from healthy fruit and ripe. This fruit is globular, reddish and slightly fleshy, with three departments within them, if it is chewed, the saliva is stained yellow. Should be dried on hurdles put in the shade and good ventilation, or in drier but not exceeding 45 º C.

APPLICATIONS

Contains anthraquinones, flavones, pectin and other substances. Folk medicine has used what is more cathartic effects of fruit. But be careful with the doses administered, as these fruits can irritate the mucous membranes to the point of causing bleeding. As for the leaves, are known to have an astringent effect very marked. Should make a point not to confuse the plant: between the cracks of limestone, from Catalonia to Andalusia, buckthorn breeding a variety of small dimensions, but often with a thick vine, the branches applied on the rock, with bark rough and ashen, tiny leaves. This plant may be confused, though, is not very easy but carrasquilla the buckthorn, also called Barberry, whose best-known effect is to be purifying the blood.

ADMINISTRATION

Gargling. Astringent gargle for preparing a decoction with 30 gr. buckthorn leaves that are boiled for 10 minutes in 1 liter of water. It is recommended to gargle every hour, once the cooking is tempered. It is used in angina and throat irritations.
Syrup. With the fruit syrup is prepared for use in children. It is usually given 3 times daily after meals.
Maceration. Two tablespoons of fruit for every cup of water. They let marinate at room temperature for eight hours and is taken on an empty stomach or at dusk. We remember well the need to control the dose, the possible irritation of the mucous membranes that may result. It should also be aware that laxatives and purgatives substances should only be taken during a given time, and that eventually all produce adaptation and eventually ruin the natural process of defecation.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ramnaceas
HABITAT: Forests little thick
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Leaves and fruit
CASTILIAN: Aladierno, madierno
CATALAN: Llampuga, boix bord
BASQUE: Zumalikarr, zumerika

USES

Mild laxative, Mild laxative, Mild Astringent.