Description: The Alder Buckthorn is a slender shrub, widely distributed over Europe and northern Asia, and found in woods and thickets throughout England, though rare in Scotland.

In place of the violently-acting juice of the berries of the Common Buckthorn, a fluid extract prepared from the bark of the closely allied and milder Alder Buckthorn or Black Alder ( Rhamnus Frangula , Linn.) has been proved a very satisfactory substitute. Frangula bark is official both in the United States and the British Pharmacopoeia. Its use has been, however, somewhat neglected and the much advertized Cascara Sagrada ( R. purshianus ) has greatly taken its place, though itis a less agreeable aperient.

It is generally about the same size as the Common Buckthorn, but is distinguished from it by its less bushy and more tree-like habit, by the absence of thorns on its branches and by its larger and entire, not toothed, feather-veined leaves, which are all arranged alternately on the stem, none opposite to one another. The flowers are produced not only from the wood of the preceding year, but also on the shoots of the current year, and have a five-parted calyx, while that of the Common Buckthorn is four-cleft. They bloom in May and are of an inconspicuous green. Their fruit, which is ripe in September, is not unlike that of the Common Buckthorn, but the berry has only two, or at most three, roundish, angular seeds, instead of four. Bees are likewise constant visitors of the flowers of this species, and goats eat the leaves voraciously.

It grows as a rule in leaf-mould in woods comparatively free from lime.

The bark and leaves of the Alder Buckthorn yield a yellow dye much used in Russia; when mixed with salts of iron it turns black. The berries, when unripe, afford a good green colour, readily taken by woollen stuffs; when ripe, they give various shades of blue and grey.

Alder Buckthorn had been used by ancient Greece (second century AD). In early days, it was used for protection against witchcraft, demons, poisons, and headaches. Later, it became a valuable laxative.

Main constituents: Up to 8% anthraquinones (glucofrangulin A, glucofrangulin B) derived from the aglycone frangula-emodin; glycosides, peptide alkaloids (frangulanin, franganin), tannins

Properties: Purgative, diuretic, emetic, vermifuge

Uses:Fruit: purgative

Well known cure for constipation. Not habit forming. An effective remedy for appendicitis. Good in rheumatism, gout, dropsy, and skin diseases. When taken hot it will induce profuse perspiration. Expels worms. The ointment is good for itching applied externally; also will remove warts.

The two year old bark (younger may cause vioent vomiting) is used to kill several species of fungi, and has been found to be active against herpes simplex. It has been shown that the extract has been effective against candida, staphyloccocus, and tumors. Buckthorn is a strong purgative, and is similar in action to Cascara Sagrada, although not as mild.

Safety Considerations: The berries are slightly poisonous and can cause vomiting.

The freshly cut bark should not be used. The bark should be dried for one to two years before using.

The  fresh bark causes violent griping pains, emesis and nausea. This herb should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation and if intestinal obstruction is suspected. It should be taken for short periods only (10 days) to avoid dependence.

Magical:

Folk Names: Hart's Thorn

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Legal Matters.

Uses: Carry or wear it when dealing with legal matters, and as a general good luck generator. Legend states that if you sprinkle buckthorn in a circle and then dance within it under a full Moon, an elf will appear. The dancer must notice the elf and say, "Halt and grant my boon!" before the elf flees. The elf will then grant one wish.

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