Definition: Buckthorn is a purgative herb that stimulates bowel evacuation and is a considered a tonic for the liver and gallbladder.

Applications: Bowel cleansing, cancer, constipation, fever, gallbladder disease, gallstones and liver ailments.

Scientific Updates: Buckthorn has shown significant inhibition of leukemia in mice studies.25 Buckthorn contains anthraquinone glycosides which works like cascara sagrada to promote gentle colon peristalsis. European studies have confirmed the advantage of buckthorn's ability to release its active principles in the small intestine rather than the stomach.

Complementary agents: Cascara sagrada, red clover, pumpkin seeds, culver root, marshmallow, slippery elm, dandelion, black walnut, quassia, ginger, acidophilus, vitamin A, vitamin E, B-complex, bioflavonoids and marine lipids.