HerbMate Library

Buckthorn

Rhamnus frangula

Laxative, Digestive

Buckthorn (often referring to cascara-type laxative preparations in commerce) is used as a stimulant laxative for constipation. It’s effective but should be short-term only.

Key Benefits

Stimulant laxative effect for constipation relief (short-term use).
Promotes bowel movement when stools are slow or stuck.
Often included in ‘cleanse’ blends (use caution).

Common Issues It May Help With

Occasional constipation (short-term).
Sluggish bowel movement routines (short-term).
Occasional ‘reset’ routines (not long-term).

How To Use (Simple)

Capsules/tea: follow label carefully; start low.
Use short-term only (1–3 days) unless clinician-guided.
Hydrate and add fiber—don’t rely on stimulants as a lifestyle.

Taste / Notes

Bitter (if tea).

Evidence Level

Stimulant laxatives work, but are not meant for chronic daily use.

Cautions

Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal pain of unknown cause, or dehydration. Overuse can cause cramping, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance.

Interactions

Use caution with diuretics, heart meds, and anything affected by electrolyte loss (low potassium risk).

Debug: Loaded Herb Fields (verification)

{
  "slug": "buckthorn",
  "title": "Buckthorn",
  "latinName": "Rhamnus frangula",
  "category": "Laxative, Digestive",
  "tagsCount": 0,
  "summaryLen": 173,
  "benefitsBullets": 3,
  "issuesItTreats": 3,
  "howToUse": 3,
  "hasTaste": true,
  "hasEvidence": true,
  "hasCautions": true,
  "hasInteractions": true
}