In the middle lane next to willow, alder and bird cherry, you can see buckthorn. The healing properties of the bark of this tree are not typical. Buckthorn has its own characteristics, which you must know about in order not to harm the body.
Buckthorn, or alder - a small tree or shrub with a height of 1 to 3 meters (individual specimens reach 7 meters) belong to the buckthorn family. Branches and trunk are smooth, covered with bark of gray-brown or gray color, in old trees - fissured, almost black. The bark of the young is cast in brown-red, and across the lentils you can see lengthened in breadth. Fruits are achenes with flat bones, first green, then red. At the same time, immature fruits are poisonous, and at full maturity - black, shiny, they are also not subject to harvesting. Dried buckthorn bark as a medicinal raw material can be used only a year after its collection.
The chemical composition of buckthorn bark and the form of release
For medicinal, medical purposes, buckthorn bark is valuable. Studies of the biochemical composition of the plant showed an extensive list of biologically active substances; the most potent of them are anthracin-derived glycosides (glucofrangulin, frangulin, isoemodine, emodin), their number reaches 8 percent, and alkaloids. In addition, essential oils, sugars, tannins, pectin, organic acids were also found.
Buckthorn bark is produced in packs of 100 grams; dry and liquid extracts of buckthorn (25 ml vials); in 0.2 g coated tablets (packaging - 50 tablets); buckthorn bark powder, syrup (50 or 100 ml vials).
In addition, the bark is part of the collection for weight loss and body cleansing, as well as several teas: laxatives (No. 63-67), stomach (No. 36 and 37) and antihemorrhoids (No. 56).
Buckthorn bark: application and properties
This is a mild, but very effective laxative for constipation, affecting the large intestine. The composition and effect of buckthorn bark is very similar to the leaves of senna, medical rhubarb and aloe. It acts softer than aloe and senna, but stronger than medical rhubarb.
The action of the cortex stimulates peristalsis of the colon, while not irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa. This is due to the fact that the antraglycosides present in the cortex, under the influence of digestive juices and bile, break down in the intestine, forming substances that irritate the intestinal receptors, which leads to increased peristalsis, accelerated movement of feces, and, consequently, to empty the intestines. But the effect should not be expected immediately, but after 8 - 10 hours from the time of use of the drug.
Alder buckthorn preparations are used internally and externally. Inside, decoctions and infusions of bark are taken . This tool is used for both laxative and emetic effects, it will be valuable for people who are overweight, because promotes weight loss. And this remedy is a favorite component of various teas for autumn and spring courses of treatment, in which a gentle laxative effect is important.
The broth is prepared from the calculation: a tablespoon of bark in a glass of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes. Take twice a day - in the morning on an empty stomach and before bedtime.
In addition to a mild laxative, buckthorn bark is used as a remedy for diseases of the liver and biliary system, spastic colitis, fever, fissures in the rectum, anemia and hemorrhoids (including after childbirth). For these purposes, prepare such a decoction: a teaspoon of bark chopped with 200 ml of boiling water, boil for half an hour, take a teaspoon.
Another bark in folk medicine is used for swelling of the heart and kidneys, for colic, basic disease, gout, helminth infections, menopause (especially dizziness, tachycardia, depression, migraine), for hepatitis and cholangitis, stomach ulcers with high acidity, malaria, diabetes mellitus, obesity.
The bark helps to cleanse the human body, normalizes metabolism and
removes salt and sand from the urinary tract and kidneys.
Externally, infusions and decoctions are used as an antibacterial agent, for example, with furunculosis, eczema, acne, rash, streptococcal infections of the skin surface and other skin diseases associated with metabolic disorders.
To prepare the alcohol tincture, the crushed bark is poured with 30% alcohol (1: 5) and aged for 7-10 days at room temperature. Used in the form of dressings, lotions and for washing the affected areas.
A decoction of the cortex also has regenerative and anti-aging properties that help restore damaged skin areas and relieve inflammation from them.
A decoction of the bark (in proportions of 1: 5) is effective as an anti-scab.
Buckthorn bark: contraindications
To exclude addiction to buckthorn bark preparations, they need to be alternated with other laxative drugs. It is also necessary to monitor dosages - increased doses of the cortex cause colicky pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Long-term use can cause kidney and liver disease. You can not eat bark for a year from the moment of its collection, because it contains harmful substances that disappear only after a year or after heat treatment (at a temperature of 100 degrees). Buckthorn preparations in any form are contraindicated for lactating and pregnant women.
And, of course, before eating buckthorn bark, consult a doctor. Health to you!