Bark buckthorn and its benefits for folk medicine

In the middle belt next to the willow, alder and bird cherry you can see the buckthorn. Healing properties of the bark of this tree are not typical. The buckthorn has its own characteristics, which must be known, so as not to harm the body.

The buckthorn is fragile, or alder - a small tree or shrub in height from 1 to 3 meters (individual specimens reach 7 meters) is referred to the family of buckthorn. The branches and trunk are smooth, covered with bark of gray-brown or gray color, in old trees - fractured, almost black. The bark of the young casts a brownish-red color, and across it one can see lenticles, elongated in breadth. Fruits - achenes with flat bones, first green, after - red. At the same time, immature fruits are poisonous, and at full maturity - black, shiny, they are also not billeted. The dried bark of the buckthorn as a medicinal raw material can be used only a year after its collection.

The chemical composition of the buckthorn bark and the form of release

For medicinal, medical purposes the 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 - anthracine-derived glycosides (glucofragulin, frangulin, isoemodine, emodin), their number reaches 8 percent, and alkaloids. In addition, found essential oils, sugars, tannins, pectin, organic acids.

The buckthorn bark is produced in packs of 100 grams; Dry and liquid extracts of buckthorn (bottles of 25 ml); In tablets of 0.2 g, coated with a coating (packaging - 50 tablets); Powder buckthorn bark, syrup (bottles of 50 or 100 ml).

In addition, the bark is included in the collection for weight loss and body cleansing, as well as several teas: laxatives (№ 63-67), stomach (№ 36 and 37) and protivogemorroynogo (№ 56).

Bark buckthorn: application and properties

It is a mild but very effective laxative for constipation, affecting the large intestine. The composition and effect of the buckthorn bark is very similar to the leaves of Senna, medical rhubarb and aloe. It acts milder than aloe and senna, but stronger than a medical rhubarb.

The action of the cortex stimulates the peristalsis of the colon, while not irritating the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. This is explained by the fact that the anthroglycosides present in the cortex, under the influence of digestive juices and bile, split in the intestine, forming substances that irritate the intestinal receptors, which leads to an increase in the processes of peristalsis, acceleration of the movement of the stool masses, and, consequently, to the emptying of the intestine. But the effect should not wait immediately, but after 8-10 hours from the time of application of the drug.

Preparations based on alder buckthorn are used internally and externally. Inside take broths and infusions of the bark. This remedy is used for both laxative and emetic effects, it will prove to be valuable for people who are overweight, Promotes weight loss. And this remedy is a favorite component of various teas for the 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 for a glass of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes. Take twice a day - in the morning on an empty stomach and before going to bed.

In addition to the mild laxative, the buckthorn bark is used as a remedy for diseases of the liver and bile excretory system, spastic colitis, fever, cracks in the rectum, anemia and hemorrhoids (including after childbirth). For these purposes, prepare such a decoction: a teaspoon of bark cut into 200 ml of boiling water, boil for half an hour, take a teaspoon.

Another bark in folk medicine is applied to edema of the heart and kidneys, with colic, grave disease, gout, helminthiases, climacteric disorders (especially dizziness, tachycardia, depression, migraine), with hepatitis and cholangitis, stomach ulcers with high acidity, malaria, diabetes, Obesity.

The bark promotes the purification of the human body, normalizes the metabolism and

Removes salts and sand from the urinary tract and kidneys.

Outer 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.

For the preparation of alcohol tincture, the crushed bark is poured with alcohol 30% (1: 5) and aged 7-10 days at room temperature. Used in the form of bandages, lotions and for washing the affected areas.

Decoction of the bark also has a regenerating and rejuvenating properties, helping to repair damaged skin areas, to remove inflammation from them.

Decoction of the bark (in proportions 1: 5) is effective as an anti-scratch agent.

Bark of buckthorn: contraindications

To exclude the addiction to the preparations of the buckthorn bark, they need to be alternated with other drugs of laxative action. It is also necessary to monitor the dosages - elevated doses of the bark cause in the abdomen a colicky pain and discomfort. Long-term use can cause kidney and liver diseases. You can not use bark for a year from the time it was collected, because It contains harmful substances that disappear only after a year or after heat treatment (at a temperature of 100 degrees). Contra-indicated are the preparations of buckthorn in any form for lactating and pregnant women.

And, of course, before using buckthorn bark, consult a doctor. Health to you!