Buffalo, Rhámnus : used in medicine

Buckthorn refers to a group of flowering plants. All buckthorn plants belong to the Rhamnus family. These plants grow as bushes or small trees. Their fruits contain sugars, oils, and vitamins. People have used these fruits for medicine. Gardeners enjoy growing buckthorn for its usefulness.


Buckthorn fruits often act as a natural laxative. They have been used in medicine for many years. The fruits contain ingredients that can help with digestion. Some buckthorn species have medicinal properties.

Buckthorn plants come in different forms. Some are shrubs, while others are small trees. Some types lose their leaves each year. Other types stay green through all seasons. Certain buckthorn plants have thorns on their branches. Young plants often have silvery-gray bark. As they age, the bark changes color.

Most buckthorn fruits can be used as a laxative. Pick them in the fall, during September or October. Look for fruits that are a rich black color. This color means they are ripe.

After picking, remove the stems from the fruits. Spread the fruits in one layer. You can dry them in a dark room. Make sure the room has good airflow. You can also use an electric dryer. Set the dryer to 122-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This process preserves the fruits for later use.