Buckthorn

Traditionally used

⚠ Buckthorn berry is a drastic anthraquinone purgative and we hold it as record only. The ripe fruit acts hard on the colon and, in any quantity, brings vomiting and cramping pain; the unripe fruit is worse, and children have been poisoned by eating the berries, with vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney irritation. It was once taken as a syrup or cold infusion for stubborn constipation, but gentler laxatives have long since replaced it. There is no safe home preparation.

In three languages

Français — ⚠ La baie de nerprun est un purgatif anthraquinonique drastique, gardé ici à titre de mémoire seulement. Le fruit mûr agit durement sur le côlon et, en quantité, provoque vomissements et douleurs de crampe ; le fruit vert est pire, et des enfants se sont intoxiqués en mangeant les baies, avec vomissements, diarrhée et irritation rénale. On le prenait jadis en sirop ou en infusion froide contre les constipations tenaces, mais des laxatifs plus doux l'ont depuis longtemps remplacé. Il n'existe pas de préparation domestique sûre.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

⚑Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

Kept alongside

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