Bark of buckthorn - medicinal properties

The alder -like buckthorn is a tree or shrub with a height of 2-7 meters. The plant belongs to the family of buckthorn.

Curative properties of buckthorn were known as far back as the 14th century. The plant is accompanied by a legend: one day the hunters saw a bear ripping out a tree and gnawing roots. Hunters followed the bear and found out that the animal was eating this part of the plant to cleanse the stomach - he did not want to go to the den with a full belly, so he decided to use the roots of the buckthorn.

In addition to buckthorn alder, also popular is buckthorn laxative, which more effectively helps with constipation . The last type of plant is characterized by the presence of spines on the trunk. Note that buckthorn laxative, unlike buckthorn alder, is not used in medicine.

Curative properties of buckthorn bark

In the chemical composition of the buckthorn is a large number of biologically active substances, the most potent are anthracid (8%) and alkaloids (0.15%). Anthracides are responsible for the production of frangulin and glucofragulin. The buckthorn also contains essential oils, sugar, organic acids and tannins. Due to anthraglycosides and chrysolinic acid in the buckthorn, it has a laxative effect.

Application of bark of buckthorn

The bark of the buckthorn should be harvested early in the spring. During this period the sap flow begins, as the leaves have not yet blossomed, the kidneys begin to actively swell. The most important thing is not to confuse the buckthorn with other plants, for example, bird cherry. The distinctive features of the buckthorn are:

It is important to know that fresh buckthorn bark is very toxic. Therefore, it must be maintained before use for at least one year. The buckthorn bark already ready can be stored for up to 5 years.

Preparations from the plant can be applied externally and internally. For internal use, the infusion or decoction of the bark of the buckthorn, pills and tablets is most often made. Outer can also be used infusion or decoction as an antibacterial. For example, to treat streptococcal skin infection.

Broth bark of buckthorn can be drunk with spastic colitis, constipation, rectal cracks and hemorrhoids . When eczema decoction is used to wash the affected skin.

Extract bark buckthorn laxative is very effective in constipation.

Contraindications to the use of buckthorn bark

As a laxative buckthorn can not be used for a long time, otherwise the intestine will cease to perform its functions without the help of the drug. You should not drink Kruszyn also for pregnant women and during uterine bleeding.

In addition, buckthorn can be addictive, so it should be alternated with other drugs.

Buckthorn buckthorn for weight loss

Due to the properties of buckthorn laxative, it can be used for weight loss. Decoction of the bark of the buckthorn is able to prevent the absorption of fluid by the shell of the colon. In this regard, the fecal masses are diluted and easily come out - the intestines are cleaned. This process helps to lose weight.

Since the drug begins its action only when it enters the rectum, the effect after taking place only after 8-10 hours.

Bark for hair color

The bark of the buckthorn can be used to produce a natural hair dye, which has a beautiful golden hue. In order to get the paint, you need to take a tablespoon of dry bark of buckthorn, pour boiling water and cook for 10 minutes. The plant includes frankulin and glucoside, which as a result give a reddish-brown color with a golden tinge.