Common Buckthorn
Basic Information
Scientific Name: Rhamnus cathartica
Plant Family: Rhamnaceae
Conservation / Invasive Status: Invasive (Northern New England)
Geographic Range: Eastern North America, Northeast US, Northern New England
Safety Level: Use with Caution
Harvest Season: Fall, Winter
Parts Used: Bark, Berries
Scientific & Botanical Information
Active Compounds
Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) contains anthraquinone glycosides as its primary bioactive constituents, with emodin, rhein, and related compounds distributed throughout the plant material, particularly concentrated in the bark and berries. These anthraquinone glycosides are well-characterized for their cathartic (strong laxative) properties. The plant further contains tannins, particularly in the bark, which provide astringent properties that somewhat moderate the intensity of the laxative action. The leaves contain polyphenolic compounds and some anthraquinone compounds in lower concentration than the bark. The berries, while attractive and potentially edible, contain the same anthraquinone compounds as the bark in significant concentrations. Research on the Rhamnus genus demonstrates consistent presence of anthraquinone glycosides across species, with specific concentrations varying substantially by plant part and by species. The aged bark contains higher anthraquinone concentrations than fresh bark, as the compounds increase in potency and concentration over time through oxidation and chemical transformation.
What Science Shows
Research on Common Buckthorn and related Rhamnus species documents well-characterized cathartic effects of the anthraquinone glycoside constituents. Multiple pharmacological studies confirm that emodin and rhein are metabolized in the colon to produce their laxative effects, stimulating intestinal muscle contraction and promoting bowel evacuation. Clinical studies document that Buckthorn preparations are effective laxatives, though the effects are pronounced and can be harsh compared to gentler alternatives. The tannin content provides some anti-inflammatory effects that moderate but do not eliminate the pronounced cathartic action. The anthraquinone glycosides have been shown to have antimicrobial effects in vitro, though human clinical evidence for therapeutic application remains limited. European and American pharmacopeias have included Buckthorn preparations, though many contemporary regulatory bodies recommend avoiding the plant in favor of gentler alternatives. The plant’s pharmacology is extremely well-established; its mechanisms of action are thoroughly understood and documented in scientific literature.
Growing in New England
Common Buckthorn is an introduced species now naturalized and invasive throughout most of New England. The plant thrives in disturbed areas, woodland edges, fence rows, and hedgerows. Buckthorn establishes readily in full sun to partial shade conditions and is notably drought-tolerant once established. The plant spreads aggressively through both seed production (birds consume the berries and disperse seeds widely) and through sprouting from damaged root systems. A single plant can produce hundreds of berries, each containing up to four seeds, leading to rapid population expansion. The plant’s invasive status makes it a serious ecological concern in New England, where it outcompetes native species and alters forest structure. The distinctive thorns on branch tips make the plant easily identifiable. Buckthorn is monoecious, producing both male and female flowers that develop into red berries maturing to black by autumn.
Safety & Interactions
Common Buckthorn’s pronounced anthraquinone glycoside content makes it a powerful cathartic with significant safety concerns. Long-term chronic use can lead to dependency, where the colon loses its natural muscular function and requires increasingly higher doses to achieve effect. Some research suggests that chronic exposure to anthraquinone-containing plants may increase cancer risk, though human evidence remains limited. Pregnant individuals should absolutely avoid Buckthorn due to the potentially harmful effects of powerful cathartic action on fetal development. Nursing individuals should avoid this plant due to potential laxative effects on infants. Individuals with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should avoid Buckthorn due to its irritant effects on inflamed tissue. The plant should not be used for extended periods; short-term use (no more than 7-10 days) is appropriate.
New England Specific
Common Buckthorn is one of New England’s most problematic invasive species, outcompeting native plants and altering forest structure throughout the region. Its presence in New England represents the ecological consequences of species introduction and serves as a cautionary example of invasive plant impact. While the plant’s anthraquinone content has some medicinal application, its invasive status and the availability of gentler laxative alternatives make Buckthorn use inappropriate in contemporary practice. For New England practitioners, Buckthorn represents an opportunity to engage in ecological restoration work rather than plant medicine harvesting.
Pharmacological Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cathartic, Hepatoprotective, Laxative, Purgative
Traditional Herbalism Information
Parts Used & Their Applications
Common Buckthorn bark, particularly aged bark (allowed to dry and oxidize for 1-2 years), constitutes the primary traditional medicinal plant part. The berries were also traditionally employed, though their stronger effects make them less suitable for gentle or sensitive individuals. The leaves, containing lower anthraquinone concentrations, were occasionally employed in traditional preparations, though the bark remained primary. Traditional herbalists emphasized the use of aged rather than fresh bark, recognizing that the laxative effects intensified and became more reliable after the oxidation process. The plant was traditionally classified as a cathartic or purgative, intended to produce powerful bowel movement and complete bowel evacuation.
Preparation Methods
Buckthorn bark was traditionally prepared as a decoction, created by simmering aged dried bark (typically 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water) for 10-15 minutes, producing a bitter, darkly colored liquid. The standard traditional dose was typically taken in evening, with expectation of bowel movement occurring the following morning. A cold infusion, prepared by steeping dried bark in cold water overnight, produced a milder preparation suitable for individuals who could not tolerate the strong decoction. Traditional practitioners sometimes combined Buckthorn with warming herbs such as Ginger to moderate its harsh effects.
Traditional Applications
Buckthorn’s primary traditional application was in the treatment of constipation, with the plant employed when powerful laxative action was required to address chronic or severe constipation. The plant was traditionally used in the treatment of conditions characterized by stagnant digestion and sluggish bowel function. Some traditional herbals reference use in supporting liver function and promoting biliary secretion. Traditional practitioners recognized that the plant produced harsh effects and typically employed it judiciously, as a potent tool for cases where gentler measures had failed.
Modern Adaptations
Contemporary herbalism has largely abandoned Buckthorn in favor of gentler laxative alternatives that produce effective bowel movement without the harsh, dependency-risk effects associated with anthraquinone-containing plants. Many regulatory bodies and professional herbalism organizations recommend avoiding Buckthorn entirely, particularly for anything beyond occasional short-term use. Contemporary alternatives such as Psyllium husk, Flaxseed, or gentle herbal combinations provide effective constipation support without the serious risks. Some contemporary practitioners with specific training in anthraquinone-containing plants will employ Buckthorn under strictly controlled circumstances for acute constipation not responsive to gentler measures.
New England Specific
For New England practitioners, Buckthorn represents an opportunity to engage in ecological restoration and invasive species management rather than in medicinal use. The plant’s status as a major ecological threat makes harvesting for removal purposes appropriate when contributing to ecological restoration. However, the harsh nature of the plant’s laxative effects and the availability of gentler alternatives argue strongly against any medicinal use. New England herbalists can support ecological health by participating in organized Buckthorn removal efforts in natural areas.
Harvest Notes
Given the availability of gentler laxative alternatives and the pronounced risks associated with anthraquinone-containing plants, harvesting Buckthorn for medicinal use is not recommended. If harvesting for ecological management purposes (removal and disposal), the entire plant including the root system should be removed to prevent sprouting. Complete removal of both above-ground and below-ground plant material is necessary for effective control, as the plant readily sprouts from damaged root systems.
Traditional Uses: Cathartic Laxative (historical), Digestive Support (traditional), Liver Support (folk)
Magical Correspondences Information
Magical Correspondences
Common Buckthorn carries Saturn correspondence, reflecting the planet’s association with boundaries, limitations, and the necessary removal of what no longer serves. The plant’s invasive nature paradoxically reflects Saturn’s capacity to establish firm boundaries and to define what belongs and what does not. The anthraquinone content suggests correspondence to Mars, honoring the plant’s powerful, forceful action. Some traditions assign Buckthorn to Pluto, reflecting the plant’s association with elimination, purging, and the transformation of waste into non-existence.
Magical Intentions
Common Buckthorn serves as an ally in workings focused on elimination and removal—clearing away what no longer serves, establishing boundaries, and ensuring that unwanted influence cannot take root or persist. The plant is employed in workings focused on purification through dramatic action, where gentle measures have failed and forceful clearing is required. Practitioners use Buckthorn in defensive magic focused on the complete elimination of harmful patterns or unwanted relationships. The plant supports work focused on boundary-setting when such boundaries must be absolute and non-negotiable.
Ritual Uses
Dried Buckthorn berries can be scattered around property boundaries to establish firm magical boundaries that repel unwanted intrusion. The plant’s thorns can be incorporated into protective charm bags designed for forceful protection. Buckthorn branches can be placed in specific locations to mark boundaries. The plant can be burned as incense in rituals focused on banishing unwanted influences, though the smoke is harsh and somewhat unpleasant. The thorns themselves can be used in ritual work focused on creating sharp, clear boundaries.
Color Correspondences
The black berries of mature Buckthorn correspond to Saturn, to elimination, and to the void—the nothingness that remains after unwanted things are removed. The green of the leaves corresponds to life force and growth, though in Buckthorn this reflects aggressive, invasive growth that spreads beyond appropriate boundaries. The overall appearance of the plant—thorny, aggressive, invasive—corresponds to protective magic that works through force and the establishment of absolute boundaries.
Sabbat Associations
Common Buckthorn is most strongly associated with Samhain, the festival of elimination, death, and the removal of what has become stagnant or harmful. The plant’s black berries are iconic imagery of the descent into darkness and the elimination of the old. The plant is also relevant to Lammas (Lughnasadh), when the first harvest includes the removal of what has become mature and ready for elimination. At Beltane, Buckthorn can be used in workings focused on crossing thresholds and establishing clear boundaries between the old and the new.
Traditional Lore & Folk Magic
Common Buckthorn appears in European folk traditions as a protective plant, with thorns understood as creating magical boundaries and repelling unwanted influences. The plant’s invasive nature has made it a symbol in contemporary witchcraft of the necessity to establish and maintain firm boundaries to prevent the spread of harmful patterns or unwanted relationships. In British cunning craft, Buckthorn appears in protective charms designed to establish absolute boundaries and ensure that harmful influences are completely eliminated rather than merely reduced.
Combining with Other Plants
Common Buckthorn combines powerfully with other Saturn-ruled protective plants such as Mugwort or Comfrey, creating intention around firm boundary-setting and elimination of what no longer serves. In banishing work, Buckthorn combines well with other eliminating plants such as Salt or Sage, creating comprehensive intention around removal and clearing. The plant’s thorns can be combined with other thorny protective plants such as Rose thorns or Hawthorn thorns in creating intensely protective charm bags.
Planetary Rulers: Saturn
Magical Intentions: Banishing, Protection, Purification, Transformation
Elemental Associations: Earth, Water
1 Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications. 2 USDA PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, NRCS. Retrieved from plants.usda.gov. 3 Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2005). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Health Sciences. 4 Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.