--- title: "Alder Buckthorn Bark Benefits & Side Effects" description: "Frangula bark is a stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Use for 1 week at most; not under 12 or in pregnancy." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/alder-buckthorn-bark/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Alder Buckthorn Bark Frangula alnus A Strong clinical evidence Frangula bark is a stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Use for 1 week at most; not under 12 or in pregnancy. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance The EMA classes frangula (alder buckthorn) bark as "well-established use" for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Like senna, it is a stimulant laxative: long-term use can lead to a sluggish bowel, laxative dependence and loss of water and electrolytes. It should only be used if a change of diet or bulk-forming fibre products are not enough. **Parts used:** bark **Key constituents:** Glucofrangulin Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - A Strong clinical evidence Effective for short-term relief of occasional constipation. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Cut bark equivalent to no more than 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion, taken at bedtime. Use the lowest dose that gives a comfortable soft stool. **Amount:** Once daily; 2–3 times a week is usually enough **Duration limit:** 1 week \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 12 years Duration limit: 7 days - Do not use for more than 1 week. If you need a laxative every day, the cause of constipation should be investigated. - Do not use with bowel obstruction, appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain of unknown cause or severe dehydration. - Do not use in children under 12. - Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. - People with kidney disease may develop electrolyte imbalance. \[1\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin), antiarrhythmics, QT-prolonging medicines | Low potassium from long-term use can increase their effects; ask a doctor first. [1] | Major | | Diuretics, corticosteroids, liquorice root | May increase potassium loss; ask a doctor first. [1] | Moderate | ### Side effects - Abdominal pain, cramps and watery stools (especially with an irritable bowel); reduce the dose - Allergic reactions such as itching, hives or rash - Yellow or red-brown urine, which is not clinically significant - With long-term use: discoloured bowel lining, loss of water and electrolytes #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? For frangula bark tea, the amount is set by active content (at most 30 mg hydroxyanthracenes), not by the weight of bark. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions What is frangula bark used for? The EMA accepts its short-term use for occasional constipation. How long can it be used? At most 1 week. Taking it 2–3 times in that week is usually enough. Can it be used for weight loss? No. Using laxatives to lose weight risks water and potassium loss. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Rhamnus frangula L., cortex – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-rhamnus-frangula-l-cortex-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2019 ### Cite This Page Alder Buckthorn Bark (Frangula alnus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/alder-buckthorn-bark/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Flaxseed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/flaxseed/) A Strong clinical evidence Linum usitatissimum Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Ginger](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/) A Strong clinical evidence Zingiber officinale Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion. 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If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.