2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Buckthorn / Frangula alnus Mill / is a shrub or tree up to 6 meters tall and shiny gray-brown bark. Older branches have a darker bark. The leaves are elliptical, entire, and pointed and shiny towards the top.
The flowers of buckthorn are small and pale green, located in the axils of the leaves. The fruits are stone-shaped, initially green, then turn red, and when fully ripe they turn black. The buckthorn blooms in the months of May-August, and the fruits ripen in July-October.
The buckthorn has long been used by the Indians as a natural laxative. However, it became known for this quality again only in 1877. Buckwheat was originally distributed mainly in America.
Composition of buckwheat
The fresh rind of buckthorn contains reduced derivatives of anthraiol and anthrone, which cause nausea and vomiting by irritation of the gastric mucosa. However, after drying and aging, they undergo a number of changes.
Dried bark contains up to 7% of the monomeric glycoside glucofranulin, which is the main active ingredient in the bark; glycoside frangulin and small amounts of chrysophanol, rhamnocerin, rhamnol and bitter substances.
Except for all these compounds buckthorn contains organic acids, essential oil and about 10% tannins. Buckwheat fruits contain organic acids, pectin, dyes, bitter substances, frangulic acid, resins, mineral salts and more.
Collection and storage of buckwheat
The buckthorn grows in deciduous and coniferous forests and shrubs, along rivers and streams. Occurs up to 1700 m above sea level. The bark of the buckthorn is collected in early spring / March-April / before the appearance of the leaves.
Ring-shaped incisions are made on the stems and branches with a sharp knife 30 cm apart. A longitudinal incision is then made and the bark is separated into a tube. For medicinal purposes, only bark that has matured for one year or is dried for 1 hour at 100 degrees is used.
The dried bark on the outside is whitish-brown. It has no smell, but it has a bitter and astringent taste. The fruits of the buckwheat are picked when fully ripe and dried in a ventilated room or in the sun.
It should not be collected in the mountains buckthornbecause it contains very few active substances. When its bark is heated with water, a tile-orange color is observed, while in the case of buckwheat, a cherry-red color is seen.
Benefits of buckwheat
The herb has a very good laxative, cleansing and choleretic effect. The laxative effect is due to the anthraglycosides in it. They are hydrolyzed in the large intestine by intestinal bacteria and enzymes secreted by the intestinal mucosa.
The buckthorn enhances the peristalsis of the colon without irritating the mucous membranes of the small intestine, so the bark of buckthorn is considered a gentle laxative. Buckwheat has the best effect in atonic chronic constipation.
Today, most laxatives contain buckwheat in their composition. It is suitable for administration after rectal or anal surgery, prevents pain and tension associated with the appearance of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Compared to other laxatives (especially chemical) it is considered the safest because it is not addictive.
The bark is used for a decoction, which is made from 1-3 tablespoons of crushed bark and water in a ratio of 1:10. Drink one glass three times daily before meals.
Harm from buckwheat
The laxative effect of buckthorn weakens with prolonged use. At the same time there are toxic manifestations - muscle weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, impotence.
It can cause abortion, so it should not be used by pregnant women. Buckwheat is also not recommended during breastfeeding.
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Health Benefits Of Sea Buckthorn
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Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn or sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a perennial plant of the fragrant willow family. Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall. The plant has a highly developed root system. Sea buckthorn leaves are small, linear or linear - lanceolate, glabrous and green above, up to 8 cm long, narrow, entire, with short stalks.
