What does it help with
- Constipation and sluggish bowels
- Preparation before colonoscopy
- Detox
- Metabolic support
Active compounds
Anthraquinone glycosides (frangulin A, B), anthrones.
Frangulin stimulates nerve plexuses in the intestinal wall — peristalsis within 8–10 hours.
How and when to harvest
Harvest periodAugust – September
Plant partsbark of 1–2 year old branches
Dryingshade, 35–40 °C
Shelf life1 year
Preparation methods
TeaTincture
Pro tip: WARNING: Fresh bark causes vomiting — must dry for min. 1 year or boil for 1 hour.
Recipes
1 Buckthorn tea ▾
1 teaspoon dried bark pour 250 ml water, steep 8 minutes. Drink in the evening.
2 Tincture (homemade) ▾
Fill a jar 2/3 with dried herb, pour in 40% vodka or spirit. Seal and leave for 4 weeks in a dark place — shake daily. Strain through gauze into a dark bottle. Dose: 20–30 drops in a little water 2–3× a day.
3 Decoction for severe constipation ▾
Put 1 tsp dried bark in 250 ml cold water, bring to boil and simmer 15 min — longer boiling deactivates irritating substances from fresh bark. Strain. Drink in the evening before bed. Start with a small dose, gradually increase.
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6 more recipes in the Herbarium
Buckthorn tincture · Constipation combo · Buckthorn in laxative teas · Buckthorn with fennel · Buckthorn with chamomile · Buckthorn short-term
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