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by Anna Fraser
(Rhamnus frangula or
Frangula alnus)
Family : Rhamnaceae
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Native to Britain. Localised in
England and Wales, absent in Scotland and rare in Ireland. Grows mostly on
damp and peaty soil, near bogs, in marshes, damp moorland and open
woodland. It may form part of the shrub layer in the Alder woods of the fens
and in open, deciduous woodland such as the New Forest.
Alder Buckthorn is a native of
Europe, Central West Asia and North Africa and is introduced and naturalised
in some parts of North America.
In all these places it occurs localised in suitable environments. It likes
sandy, or peaty soils which are acid and moist, up to 1000 meters altitude.
And so we find it on peaty heaths, near the bank of a stream and in damp open
woods, bogs and fens. It is absent on Northern mountains and islands and very
rare in Scotland.
It is frequently found growing together with the Alder and often forms part of
the dense undergrowth in damp woodlands, although it does not tolerate heavy
shade very well.
Some countries, like the Netherlands, former Czechoslovakia, Poland and Russia
have commercial plantations to satisfy the demand for its excellent charcoal.
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General:
The Alder Buckthorn appears as a bush or a small tree up to about five meters
high. The branches reach for the sky at a sharp angle with the stem from which
they spring (rather than spreading horizontally).
In spite of its name, there are no thorns to be found. The branches originate
almost opposite each other, but not quite. The buds have no true scales to
protect them and are composed of the young, curled up leaves. There may be one
or two minute scales beneath the bud, but these never enclose it. The new
shoots and the buds have a velvety appearance, due to minute hairs on them,
which help to insulate the new growth in cold conditions.
The bark:
The bark is grey-black, quite smooth with very characteristic vertical white dots and
stripes. These white dots and stripes are known as lenticels and are breathing
pores. When the bark is scraped, it shows a crimson layer above the
yellowish-brown inner bark. The young branches and twigs are greenish at
first, then turning grey brown and are red-brown to dark violet at
the tips. The older bark turns into a dark brownish roughened bark and has an
orange inner surface.
The leaves:
The leaves have stalks and appear alternately left and right on the branches.
They are 3-7 cm long, oval shaped with a pointed end. The leaves are feather
veined with 6-10 pairs of side-veins, which curve upwards and inwards to form an
arched loop with the vein above near the edge. These pairs of side-veins are
alternate, rather than opposite, but the space between a pair of veins is
markedly smaller than the space between the different pairs. We can also observe
this arrangement in the spacing of leaves and branches. The leaves do not have
teeth and have a shiny green surface above. They can be brownish and velvety
underneath when still young. In the autumn they turn a warm yellow with shades
of red.
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The flowers:
The tree blooms in May and has green-white bisexual flowers. These flowers are
very small (2½-3mm) and appear in small clusters, pairs or solitary at the tips
of the branches. They are bell-shaped with a five petalled star-like opening.
The calyx is also 5 lobed (4 in the Common Buckthorn, Rhamnus Catharticus)
and there are 5 stamens. The honey to attract the bees is exposed and the pollen
is very fine.
The fruit:
The flowers give way to roundish fleshy fruits, the size of a pea, which turn
from green to cherry-red to a black-brown-purple-bluish colour in
September/October. The flesh is just a thin layer and inside there are 2 or 3
seeds (4 in the Common Buckthorn), which are flat-ish with the outline shape of
an egg. They have ridges and a pale brown knob on one flat side.
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Alder Buckthorn can be
propagated by taking heeled cuttings or layering, but the best stock is likely
to be obtained from seed. The black berry-like fruits are ripe in September
and should be sown straight away, rather than stored during the winter. The
seed bed should ideally be slightly acid and be kept moist. When the first
seedlings appear in the next season, keep them free from weeds. The young
plants can be transplanted in the autumn to nursery rows, two feet apart and
one foot space between the plants. Here they can grow for another one or two
years until they are transplanted to their permanent position.
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The wood of Alder Buckthorn was
almost always used in the form of young twigs and branches and the most
profitable way of doing this is by coppicing. Due to the great demand for
gunpowder (in the Middle Ages for canon balls and later also for shot guns,
the wood was almost entirely used to make charcoal. The bark was taken off the
branches and used for other purposes such as dyeing and for medicinal
purposes. The charcoal from the peeled sticks makes a very light inflammable
charcoal, which burns evenly and slowly and ignites readily and was a
favourite for making fuses. The younger the
wood of which the charcoal is made, the finer the charcoal powder will be. To make gunpowder, the finely ground charcoal was mixed with saltpetre, sulphur
and nitrates.
Alder Buckthorn charcoal was in great demand right up to the end of the second
world war. Its steady-burning properties were also exploited in the
manufacturing of fuses for explosives.
The twigs, being hard and straight, can also be prepared as a fine drawing
charcoal for artists. Yet another use of the charcoal is for medicinal
purposes, because of its ability to absorb gases (flatulence), chemicals
(poisoning with aspirin, paracetemol, barbiturates and morphine) and smells
(deodorizing foul ulcers).
The long straight twigs of the tree sharpens well and have traditionally been
used to make arrows, as well as butchers spikes and skewers. These spikes and
skewers were in some parts also known as 'dogs', hence the tree was sometimes
known as 'Black Dogwood'.
The coppiced branches have also been used for walking sticks as well as pea
and bean sticks. Along with willow and split alder, they have also found use
for cane seating and basket work.
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The small flowers have very
easily accessible honey and are popular with bees, who are constant visitors
when the blooms are out in May.
Mrs. Grieve says that "goats eat the leaves voraciously".
The berries and the fresh bark are poisonous to people.
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Parts Used:
The bark from 1-2 year old branches is used. Harvest in April or May and dry
rapidly on warm days outdoors or otherwise in a warm, well ventilated space.
Once dried, leave the bark in a dark place, but do not seal it up airtight,
because it needs to undergo a further chemical process for at least a year
before it is safe to use. The fresh bark is a gastro-intestinal irritant and
acts as a poison that causes violent vomiting and abdominal pains. A
fermentation process occurs during storage which destroys the emetic
frangularoside.
The charcoal is also used medicinally.
Constituents:
Antraquinone glycosides, comprising frangulin 'a' and 'b' (produced during
drying and storage), frangula emodin, glucograngulin 'a' and 'b', chrysophanic
acid, and iso-emodin. All these substances play a role in the purgative action
of the bark.
Also: Flavonoids, bitter principles, tannins, volatile oil, resins, mucilage.
Actions:
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A gentle to medium purgative
action, which occurs about 6-12 hours after taking the remedy. It works by
stimulating the peristaltic movements of the large intestine.
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Cholagogue, which
means it increases the amount of bile secreted by the liver. This helps to
cleanse the liver, and aids digestive processes, particularly of fats.
Bile is also a natural laxative and therefore cleansing to the whole of
the digestive system.
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Tonic. The above
properties enhanced by the bitter components (which stimulate digestive
secretions and tone the gastro-intestinal tract) give the bark a toning,
cleansing action which can help to rejuvenate and enliven the whole
system.
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Anti-parasitic.
Externally used for lice infestations. Also used as a rinse to kill germs
in a sore throat or elsewhere in the mouth. Internally, it also helps to
kill pathological bowel-colonisation.
Caution:
The fresh bark is poisonous. Avoid taking larger doses than those recommended
of the one-year-stored bark, because this may cause gastro-intestinal
irritation and vomiting. Pregnant women and people suffering from heamorrhoids
(piles) should avoid Alder Buckthorn as it can cause an influx of blood into
the abdomen.
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Constipation
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Constipation has a wide
range of causes and should never be treated with laxatives only, but great
attention should be given to the effects of diet, exercise, stress and
personal habits (never put off going to the toilet when you need to do,
etc.) on the bowel.
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The matured Alder Buckthorn
bark is a mild to medium strong laxative with minimal irritant properties
when given in the right dose. Senna and aloes are stronger, but Alder
Buckthorn has the advantage that habitation develops much less rapidly. It
is probably slightly more effective than the much used Rhubarb root.
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The three major ways in
which the bark may be put to good use in constipation are:
1. As short term relief in atonic constipation, i.e. where the bowel is
too relaxed and peristalsis is lacking or extremely slow.
2. As short term relief in spastic constipation, i.e. where the bowel is
over-tensed and not moving because it is cramped (For example in Irritable
Bowel Syndrome). Alder Buckthorn will help to get things moving with a
minimum of colic developing.
3. In the initial phase of a bowel re-education programme for people who
suffer habitual constipation. Again: the bark is used here to get things
moving and to cleanse the system. The real cause of the problem must be
treated by a change to a more wholesome diet and lifestyle (more exercise,
different ways of coping with stress, etc.).
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Since the bark takes about
8-12 hours before it becomes effective as a laxative in most cases, it is
often taken at night before going to bed. The dose is 2-6 grams of dried
matured bark in decoction.
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In cases with a lot of
flatulence, a carminative such as Caraway seeds, Fennel seeds or Chamomile
should be added. When the constipation is particularly persistent, it can
be useful to mix it with the slightly stronger Senna leaves. Rudolf Weiss,
a German MD with 40 years experience of using herbs in his medical
practice, recommends the following tea to meet all these requirements:
Equal parts of Chamomile flowers, Fennel seed, Alder Buckthorn bark and
Senna leaves. Take 1-2 teaspoons of this mixture to a cup of boiling
water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and take before going to bed.
Chronic conditions:
In many chronic toxic conditions, especially those associated with bowel or
digestive disturbances, the bark is useful as a blood cleanser. 1-2 grams of
the dried bark may be taken 3 times a day for a fortnight.
The bark can also be taken in a nightly laxative dose of 2-6 grams in
decoction for a couple of days, in cases where people, for whatever reason,
feel the need to cleanse out their system. Examples are: at the beginning of a
several day fast to mark the transition of a junk-food diet to a more
wholesome one, as is sometimes done by people who suffer from arthritis,
cancer or other illnesses.
Gum disease and mouth
infections
A decoction of bark makes a good mouthwash for gum disease, mouth infections
and sore throats. Rinse at least 3 times a day.
Infestations of the scalp and
pubic hairs
A strong decoction of 100 grams of dried bark to a pint of water can be used
for lice infestation of the scalp and pubic hairs. Soak the area thoroughly
and leave for a couple of hours before washing with clean water, soap or
shampoo. Use a finely toothed nit-comb to remove eggs and adult bodies. It is
a good idea to cleanse the comb, every now and then whilst combing, in a bowl
containing some of the made-up decoction. Repeat this process for 3 days and
then again after a fortnight for another course of 3 days (to catch any lice
which may have hatched from eggs that escaped the treatment).
Improving Bile secretions and
digestion:
A small dose (1-2 grams) of bark in decoction 3 times a day will help to
stimulate bile flow, cleanse the liver and promote digestion, especially of
fats.
Wounds:
The decoction of the bark has been applied externally to aid the healing of
wounds.
Dry skin:
The naturalist Dennis Furnell ("Health from the Hedgerows", B.T.
Batsford Lts. 1985) mentions that a dry skin can sometimes benefit from a
lotion made from Alder Buckthorn bark. "Steep 100 grams of the bark in 1
litre of boiling water, allow to cool, then apply either as a lotion or
compress."
The use of charcoal in
flatulence and poisoning:
Charcoal has been used by the medical profession for many purposes.
About 4 grams of charcoal was a traditional treatment of flatulence. It was
thought that the charcoal absorbs intestinal gases, caused by fermentation of
food in the gut. This method is not always effective since the quantities of
gas produced can be large and it may be better to endeavour to find out why a
large a quantity, sufficient to cause discomfort, is produced in the first
place (Reasons may be: Insufficient chewing, bad teeth, sluggish digestion and
many others).
A much higher dosage of up to 50 grams (in water) was used in the treatment of
poisoning., for example of aspirin, paracetemol, barbiturates and morphine,
all of which are absorbed by charcoal. Another traditional use is as a
deodorizing application to foul ulcers.
(W.R. Thomson "Black's Medical Dictionary", A&C Black,
London, 1984).
Spiritual and emotional
healing:
If you suffer from depression, characterised by hopelessness and helplessness,
then there is usually a third 'H' lurking below the surface:
"hostility", either at someone else or yourself for blocking anger.
The spirit of Alder Buckthorn can help you get in touch with this anger and
find ways of using it positively and constructively. Liberating this
suppressed energy and transforming it into life-affirming action for yourself
and others will help to lift your depression.
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Both leaves as well as the bark
yield a yellow dye.
When salt of iron is added a black colour is obtained.
The unripe berries give a good green colour which at one time was used in
calico-printing, and is also readily taken up by wool.
The ripe berries gives various shades of blue and grey.
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The Californian Buckthorn, Rhamnus
purshiana, produces a laxative drug known as 'cascara sagrada', which
means 'the sacred bark'. Because we so often think that products from
far-away countries have exotic magic and because of much advertising in
the early 1900's, cascara sagrada has largely replaced our one-time use of
Alder Buckthorn bark in herbal medicine.
Nevertheless Alder Buckthorn is still retained in several European
Pharmacopoeias. Just like Alder Buckthorn Bark, cascara sagrada has to be
stored for a year before it can be used. It may be slightly stronger in
its purgative action, but it less agreeable to use, and therefore not
really superior as a medicine to Alder Buckthorn.
Alder Buckthorn is often confused with the true Buckthorn, Rhamnus
catharticus. R.catharticus is of similar size, but has a more bushy
habit, slightly smaller leaves with fewer side veins. It has real thorns,
which the Alder Buckthorn does not have.
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The Alder Buckthorn is a small
bushy tree of acid soils, which has been much exploited by humankind during
the last millennium, but which has seldom received much loving recognition.
It hasn't even received a name of its own and has been called after two other
trees, which it only superficially resembles.
The main use of the tree by people has always been to remove obstacles. The
bark is a potent remedy for constipation and the wood has been applied in
various lethal ways to deal with 'enemies'. The branches are strong and can be
cut to an extremely sharp point, which makes them a wood of choice for arrows
and spikes. The charcoal made from the wood is the best in the world to make a
potent, first class gunpowder.
For this and its other uses, the bark and the wood is always preferred from
the young growth of the tree.
We have too often used the Alder
Buckthorn like we used the many anonymous young men, who never had the chance
to grow into maturity and who gave their best strength, youth and vigour in
fighting bloody battles long since forgotten.
When we see an Alder Buckthorn growing, we might feel like pausing a short
while and rejoice that its life is contributing to the well being of the
environment it grows in, rather than being sacrificed as 'cannon fodder'.
Maybe we can honour the energy
manifesting in the Alder Buckthorn best by meditating -for the good of All- on
the ways we choose to assert ourselves, on the ways we affirm and defend our
existence. Historically we used this tree in ways to support our aggressive
tendencies: to go out and get what we want and to overcome any obstacles in
our path.
It is good to remember that aggression is an energy that Nature has given us
to become 'at one' which all we need to survive. It is that extra boost of
life-force we need to go out hunting, make a living, protect ourselves and our
loved ones, pursue meaningful ideals and beauty.
There is an intimate relationship between love and aggression, which is shown
also in the fact that these two energies share the same nervous pathway.
Therefore, when this pathway is activated, we feel either the one or the
other. And sometimes, when we have suffered psychological trauma, the two
energies can get confused and merge to some extent.
Love opens our being in readiness to 'merge'. Healthy aggression or
assertiveness provides the urge to do something about it.
When our need to feel 'at one' with our world is too often frustrated, when we
are insecure at the root of our being, then our normally healthy aggression
can turn into anger, hate and violence.
This will make it harder than ever to satisfy our deep need to 'be at one', so
it will only add to a problem, rather than solve it.
We may conquer, master, submit, destroy, but none of these methods fulfills
our deep longing to be wanted, to be welcome, to belong and to merge.
Underneath its dark bark, the Alder Buckthorn carries a layer of crimson red.
To our human perception this colour reminds us of the blood flowing under our
own skin.
But whatever flights human fancy may take, whatever gruesome use we have
invented for its wood, the Alder Buckthorn is growing for its own good
reasons.
Alder Buckthorn tree, we honour thee!
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