What Is Buckthorn Powder?

There are four different buckthorn plants, all of which may be used as dietary supplements. Some supplements are derived from the berries of the sea buckthorn, while others come from the bark of the plants. All are available in powder form.

Types

• There are four types of buckthorn plant: common buckthorn, alder buckthorn, Californian buckthorn and sea buckthorn. Alder and sea buckthorns are most often used in dietary or medicinal supplements and usually come in powder form.

  Alder buckthorn, also known as black dogwood, is a small shrub native to Europe, North Africa and Central Asia. It was introduced to the Americas in the 1800s. Sea buckthorn, more commonly known as sallow thorn, is prized for its berries rather than its bark. The berries are used in jams as well as supplements. While both plants are marketed in powder form, most of the buckthorn powder supplements you find are from the bark of the alder buckthorn. Sea buckthorn powders are usually labeled as such.

Uses

• Buckthorn powder is most often used as a mild laxative to relieve constipation. It is known to be a gentler laxative than some of its synthetic, commercial counterparts. It is also used as a colon cleanser and is often marketed as a weight-loss supplement.

Benefits

• Buckthorn powder is also quite gentle and can be used without any harsh effects. Buckthorn helps to ease abdominal bloating and is additionally believed to benefit the liver and gallbladder, including helping to treat problems like cirrhosis, jaundice and gallstones. It also helps ease the pain of hemorrhoids by softening the stool.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Because of its laxative effects, buckthorn must be taken according to directions. An overdose can cause diarrhea and stomach upset. Long term use may cause loss of electrolytes and potassium, as well as dehydration and kidney damage. Use of buckthorn may cause urine to turn dark yellow or red, but this is not a cause for concern.

  Those with Crohn's disease, colitis or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or appendicitis should not use buckthorn. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use buckthorn.

  Certain drugs have a negative interaction with buckthorn, including some diuretics, corticosteroids and digoxin. Consult a doctor or pharmacy to make sure there are no contraindications for buckthorn.

History

• Buckthorn has been used since the 2nd century to treat a variety of ailments, including constipation. Galen, a Greek physician, first wrote about it, although the Greeks used it not only to relieve constipation, but to protect against poison, demons and witches. In the 17th century, buckthorn was mentioned in the London Pharmacopoeia. In 1820, the United States officially listed buckthorn in the National Formulary as a medicinal drug, and in 1898 King's American Dispensatory covered it as an herb to be used in medical practice.

  Historically, other parts of the plant were used to create dyes. The yellow dye produced from the bark was sometimes used to color maps and a green watercolor paint was produced using the berries. Certain grays and blues could also be produced from various parts of the plant and were often used to dye textiles.