Actions: Stimulating laxative, Occasional acute constipation, Antifungal.

Indications: Traditionally used in phytotherapy as a stimulating laxative to facilitate intestinal evacuation and short-term relief of occasional constipation.

Buckthorn is a shrub native to Europe, Western Asia and the Middle East. It is never used fresh. It is harvested in the summer and must then be aged for at least a year to break down its chemical substances (anthrones). If buckthorn is not aged, it is not a laxative; it is a purgative, which could cause intense intestinal spasms and vomiting. This dried bark has been aged for a year naturally. Its stimulating effect of the peristaltic movement is nevertheless less violent than other plants such as its cousin, cascara sagrada or senna. A healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet rich in fibres, drinking a good quantity of water contributes to the good functioning of the intestine.

Ingredient: Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), organic dried bark.

Instructions for use: (ONLY ADULTS): Infusion: 1/2 to 2 teaspoons (as needed) in 1 cup of boiling water, cover, let steep 5 minutes, drink 1 cup in the evening or at bedtime. Optional: Lightly sweeten with honey or maple syrup to reduce its bitter taste.

• Allow 6 to 12 hours to see the laxative effects.
• The optimal dosage is adjusted to the smallest dose to achieve a passage of a soft stool (½ to 2 teaspoons).
• Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Do not take more than 2 to 3 times a week.
• Take a few hours before or after taking medications or natural health products.
• Do not use long term.

Duration of use: Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 7 days.

Optional: Perhaps paired with an emollient plant such as mallow or marshmallow, or with an antispasmodic and carminative plant such as catnip or fennel.

Contraindications: Do not use this product if you are a child, if you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. Do not use this product if you have abnormal constrictions of the gastrointestinal tract, existing or potential intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, '' abdominal pain of unknown origin, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, severe dehydration with loss of water and electrolytes, or diarrhea.

Precautions: Consult a health care practitioner; (herbalist, naturopath, pharmacist, nurse or doctor) before using this plant if your symptoms persist or worsen, if you suffer from kidney problems, fecal impaction or symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever, if you are taking cardiac medications such as cardiac glycosides or anti-arrhythmic medications, thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, licorice root, any other medications or health products that may aggravate electrolyte imbalance. Reduce the dose or stop use if you experience abdominal pain, cramps, spasms and/or diarrhea. Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs.