Alder Buckthorn

Why You Need It

• Potent Constipation Relief: It is highly effective for moving the bowels when you are feeling 'backed up.'
• Stimulates Natural Rhythm: It encourages the natural muscle contractions (peristalsis) of the intestines.
• Reduces Straining: By softening stool and speeding up transit, it makes elimination easier.

Deep Dive

Alder Buckthorn is often referred to as a 'stimulant laxative.' Unlike bulking agents (like psyllium) that add volume, this herb acts as a wake-up call to your digestive tract. The active ingredients, called anthraquinone glycosides, irritate the bowel lining, which triggers contractions and reduces water absorption from the stool. This leads to a bowel movement typically within 6 to 12 hours after taking it. It is a powerful tool for 'occasional' constipation, but it is not intended for daily maintenance.

Natural Food Sources

Important Note: Unlike vitamins found in spinach or oranges, Alder Buckthorn is not a nutrient you consume via everyday food. It is a medicinal herb. The berries are poisonous if eaten raw. The medicinal benefits come strictly from the aged bark.

Supplementation

• Form: Usually found in capsules, teas, or liquid extracts.
• Dosage: Dosage varies by product. Rule of Thumb: Never take more than the label recommends.
• Timing: Take at bedtime. This allows the supplement to work overnight, usually resulting in a bowel movement the next morning.