🌿 Buckthorn Leaf (Rhamnus frangula / Rhamnus cathartica)

Also known as: Alder Buckthorn • European Buckthorn • Purging Buckthorn
Family: Rhamnaceae
Origin: Native to Europe and Western Asia
Parts used: Dried leaves and bark (leaf form preferred for gentle cleansing)
Primary use: Internal

✨ Description

Grounding, purifying, and gently stimulating, Buckthorn Leaf is a time-honored herb traditionally used to support healthy digestion, cleanse the colon, and promote natural elimination.

Known for its mild yet effective action, Buckthorn was once a staple in old-world herbal apothecaries as a natural laxative and spring detoxifier. Unlike harsh purgatives, the leaf form offers a more balanced, soothing cleanse, restoring rhythm and regularity to the digestive system without overexertion.

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a gentle digestive and cleansing tea:

Colon & Bowel Support: Encourages healthy elimination and eases occasional constipation.
Digestive Reset: Helps clear stagnation, bloating, and heaviness from the gut.
Liver & Gallbladder Tonic: Stimulates bile flow and supports detox pathways.
Seasonal Cleanser: Traditionally used in spring and autumn to purify and refresh the system.

Directions (Internal Use):
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Buckthorn Leaf in 8 oz of hot water for 8–10 minutes.
Drink 1 cup in the evening as needed, up to 3 times per week.
For balanced cleansing, pair with Dandelion Root, Peppermint, or Fennel Seed.

💧 External Uses

Add to detox baths or foot soaks to help draw out stagnation and refresh circulation.
Use as a wash or compress for sluggish or congested skin.

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

Dandelion Root – for liver and gallbladder synergy.
Senna or Cascara Sagrada – for stronger bowel cleansing (short-term use).
Peppermint or Fennel Seed – to ease bloating and cramping.
Ginger or Licorice Root – for warmth and digestive balance.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Buckthorn Leaves are harvested in late spring and aged naturally for at least one year — a traditional process that mellows their natural anthraquinone compounds and ensures a safe, balanced herb.
The leaves are shade-dried to preserve potency and aroma, then hand-sifted for purity.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

Taste: Bitter, earthy, slightly astringent.
Energetic profile: Cooling, cleansing, and gently stimulating.
Pairs well with: Dandelion, Fennel, Ginger, and Licorice Root.

⚠️ Warnings

Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Avoid use if experiencing diarrhea, dehydration, or intestinal inflammation.
Do not use for more than 10 consecutive days without professional guidance.
Best for short-term or seasonal cleansing, not daily use.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Buckthorn Leaf teaches the art of release. It moves what’s stagnant, clears what’s heavy, and restores lightness where there’s burden.

This is an herb for transition seasons and reset rituals — a gentle nudge for the body to cleanse and begin anew. Balanced, earthy, and steady, Buckthorn reminds us that renewal often begins with letting go.