Herbs Guide

Alder Buckthorn

Family Name: N.O. Rhamnaceae

Botanical Name(s): Rhamnus Frangula (LINN.)

Popular Name(s): Black Dogwood, Frangula Bark, Arrowwood, European Buckthorn, Persian Berries

Parts Used: Bark

Habitat: Alder Buckthorn is widely found in Europe and northern Asia and England.

Description: Alder Buckthorn is a slender shrub and grows up to a height of 25 feet. The plant bears branches which are green in earlier stages of its life but turns to brownish-gray as they grow. Its oval shaped leaves are olive-green in colour and are alternately arranged. Its fruit is a three-seeded berry.

Uses: Alder Buckthorn is used as a tonic, laxative and cathartic. Its bark is used to cure chronic constipation.