Buckthorn…rhamnus cathartica

[ann peschgesStudent]

Hi!  Is there ANY positive use for buckthorn??  It is taking over in the midwest…

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I haven’t used that one but it is medicinal. I don’t know what the safety margins are. I know it was used as a cathartic/purgative. Any plant who’s species name is cathartica should probably be used with care if your going to be more than ten feet from your bathroom.

The fact that it’s so common and isn’t used in the trade much usually suggests that either there are other plants that do it’s job better or that its safety margins are narrower than ideal.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Susan Scaccia, ann peschges

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