What to know about Rhamnus cathartica (buckthorn) before using it medicinally

Rhamnus cathartica, commonly known as buckthorn, is a herb renowned for its laxative properties, which have been used to treat digestive issues, relieve constipation, and promote healthy bowel movements.

From an horticultural perspective, buckthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often used as an ornamental or for hedging due to its tolerance for poor soil conditions. Botanically, Rhamnus cathartica is classified as a member of the Rhamnaceae family, and its distinctive features include dark green, glossy leaves and small, yellow flowers that grow in clusters.

The herb has been mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman texts, including those of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, who praised its medicinal properties and noted its use in treating a range of health conditions.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Rhamnus cathartica.

What are the medicinal properties of Rhamnus cathartica?

Rhamnus cathartica helps with digestive issues, liver and gallbladder problems, and constipation, due to its strong purgative effects. Its extracts are used to treat various gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

The active constituents of Rhamnus cathartica responsible for its medicinal properties are anthraquinones, specifically aloe-emodin, rhein, and chrysophanic acid. These compounds stimulate bowel movements, reduce inflammation, and improve liver function. Their exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

The parts of the Rhamnus cathartica plant most used for medicinal purposes are the bark, leaves, and berries. The bark contains the highest concentration of anthraquinones, making it the most potent part of the plant for medicinal use.

Improper use of Rhamnus cathartica can cause side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Long-term use can lead to dependence on the plant's purgative effects, as well as electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.

To use Rhamnus cathartica medicinally, it is essential to follow specific precautions, including consulting a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 18 years old.

What are the horticulural aspects of Rhamnus cathartica?

Rhamnus cathartica grow best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant requires moderate watering, but is tolerant of drought and can thrive in poor soils. It can grow up to 10 meters in height.

When planting Rhamnus cathartica, choose a location with good air circulation to prevent disease. Plant seedlings in early spring, spacing them 2-3 meters apart. Water regularly during the first year after planting, but avoid overwatering. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

For optimal harvesting of Rhamnus cathartica berries, wait until they are fully ripe and have turned a deep purple color. Harvest individual berries or the entire fruiting branches. The berries are typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, when they are soft to the touch and have a sweet, slightly tart taste.

Common pests affecting Rhamnus cathartica include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and crown rot. Regular monitoring and treatment with integrated pest management techniques can help control these issues and maintain plant health.

What are the botanical aspects of Rhamnus cathartica?

Rhamnus cathartica is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a thorny stem and grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are elliptical, alternate, and 3-8 cm long with a pointed tip. The leaves are also serrated and have a short petiole.

Taxonomically, Rhamnus cathartica is classified in the family Rhamnaceae, order Rosales, and class Magnoliopsida. The species name "cathartica" refers to its purgative properties, and it is sometimes referred to as "bitter buckthorn" or "sea buckthorn". Its botanical name is Rhamnus cathartica L.

There are several variants of Rhamnus cathartica, including R. c. var. cathartica, R. c. var. glaberrima, and R. c. var. montana. These variants differ in their leaf size, shape, and hairiness. The plants may also produce flowers of different colors, ranging from greenish-yellow to purplish.

Rhamnus cathartica is native to Europe and Western Asia, but it has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It thrives in wetlands, coastal areas, and dry soils, and is often found in hedges and thickets.

The life cycle of Rhamnus cathartica is typically 10-20 years. The plant flowers from April to May, producing small, greenish-yellow flowers in axillary clusters. The fruit is a shiny black berry, 3-6 mm in diameter, which matures in September and October. The seeds are dispersed by birds, mammals, and wind.

What are the historical aspects of Rhamnus cathartica?

Rhamnus cathartica is a plant with a long history of use. Ancient Greeks and Romans used its berries to make a purgative, while European folk medicine used it to treat digestive issues. In some cultures, it was used to treat liver and gallbladder problems.

In mythology, Rhamnus cathartica is associated with the Greek goddess Hecate, often depicted with buckthorn branches. Roman myth tells the story of the god Pluto using buckthorn to revive a deceased loved one. Buckthorn also appears in the tale of the sorceress Medea.

Rhamnus cathartica has been imbued with various symbolic meanings. In Celtic traditions, it represented protection and purification. In some European cultures, it symbolized strength and endurance. The buckthorn's thorns were thought to ward off evil spirits.

Historical texts have documented Rhamnus cathartica's medicinal and cultural significance. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) wrote about its purgative properties. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) described its use in treating digestive issues. The 16th-century herbalist John Gerard mentioned its use in treating liver and gallbladder problems.

Archaeological finds have uncovered artifacts related to Rhamnus cathartica. In the ancient Greek city of Delphi, excavations uncovered buckthorn branches used in rituals. Roman excavations have revealed buckthorn berries used in medicine. In medieval Europe, buckthorn was depicted in illuminated manuscripts as a symbol of purification.