Buckthorn's potency as a laxative earned it the nickname "purging buckthorn." It's so powerful, in fact, that doctors advise using it only as a last resort.

Buckthorn's power to purge lies in its chemical components called 'anthraquinones'. Unfortunately, these chemicals are too powerful for many people - causing them severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.

This laxative came into vogue in European herbal medicine about 1,000 years ago. At the time, doctors believed the key to curing disease lay in purging "foul humours." Not surprisingly, strong laxatives were prescribed for dozens of ailments. Buckthorn was a favorite because it produced reliable results - as a laxative, anyway. Unfortunately, if it was being used to treat, say, arthritis, the patient's joints were no better for the purge.

Anthraquinone laxatives, such as Buckthorn, are very powerful and should be considered only after other therapies have failed. Most doctors recommend a high-fiber diet and getting more exercise as the first line of treatment for constipation. If that program doesn't work, try a bulk-forming laxative, such as psyllium. One commonly available over-the-counter (OTC) preparation of psyllium is "Metamucil". Move to an Anthraquinone laxative only after you've given these a shot.

Buckthorn also has a long history as a cancer treatment. This use, as it turns out, may have some basis in fact. Read on for more about its tumor reducing ability.

• Cures Constipation: Buckthorn stimulates the colonic muscle contractions we experience as "the urge." In Germany, some physicians prescribe a laxative tea containing 1/2 teaspoon each of Buckthorn, fennel seed and chamomile flowers (fennel and chamomile both soothe the stomach) per cup of boiling water, steeped for about 10 minutes. If you try this tea, drink no more than one cup. It's best taken before going to bed.
• Fights some cancers: Buckthorn is also used by traditional herbalists as a cancer treatment. While the jury's still out on it's effectiveness, there is some evidence that it may work. "Buckthorn has shown some anti-tumor action," says James A. Duke, Ph. D., a botanist retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of "The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs"....."it deserves more research." Buckthorn is still a long way from being an accepted cancer treatment, but if you're receiving standard cancer therapy, you may want to discuss it with your doctor.

This herb should never be used for more than two weeks, because over time it can cause "lazy bowel syndrome" - an inability to move stools without chemical stimulation.

nutritional supplement program variety packs