Buckthorn's
potency as a laxative earned it the nickname Purging Buckthorn. It's so
powerful, in fact, that doctors advise using it only as a last resort.
Buckthorn's power to purge lies in its chemical components called 'anthraquinones'.
Unfortunately, these chemicals are too powerful for many people - causing them
severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.
This laxative came into vogue in European herbal medicine about 1,000 years ago. At the time, doctors believed the key to curing disease lay in purging "foul humours." Not surprisingly, strong laxatives were prescribed for dozens of ailments. Buckthorn was a favorite because it produced reliable results - as a laxative, anyway. Unfortunately, if it was being used to treat, say, arthritis, the patient's joints were no better for the purge.
Anthraquinone laxatives, such as Buckthorn, are very powerful and should be considered only after other therapies have failed. Most doctors recommend a high-fiber diet and getting more exercise as the first line of treatment for constipation. If that program doesn't work, try a bulk-forming laxative, such as psyllium. One commonly available over-the-counter (OTC) preparation of psyllium is "Metamucil". Move to an Anthraquinone laxative only after you've given these a shot.
Buckthorn also has a long history as a cancer treatment. This use, as it turns out, may have some basis in fact. Read on for more about its tumor reducing ability.
Healing with Buckthorn:
Buckthorn should not be used by those with chronic gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, colitis or hemorrhoids. Pregnant women should also avoid it. This herb should not be used for more than two weeks in heavy doses, because over time it can cause "lazy bowel syndrome" - an inability to move stools without chemical stimulation.
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