• Unripe Buckthorn berries produce a yellow dye.sea-buckthorn berries growing on a branch image by Tatiana from Fotolia.com
  
  Buckthorn refers to four species of plant: Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus Frangula, Rhamnus purshiana and Hippophae rhamnoides. Uses outlined below refer to the first three species of the same genus for the purposes of unity and simplicity. These are Common Buckthorn, Alder Buckthorn and Californian Buckthorn, respectively. Each of these species provides similar uses to the harvester through its bark, leaves and berries. Always consult a medical professional prior to consuming any medicinal plant.
  
  

Laxative

• All types of Rhamnus Buckthorn produce laxative effects in humans and animals. Those who named Common Buckthorn scientifically must have known of these very strong effects in this species, as the term "cathartica" means laxative. Additionally, Ageless notes that internal usage of Common Buckthorn aids in the treatment of intestinal parasites and gallstones. Herbco recommends boiling one part juice with six parts water and taking internally for laxative effects. However, they also warn that consumption of the decoction may result in vomiting. Dried and aged bark from Alder Buckthorn also causes laxative effects, but irritates the intestines when fresh. The Californian species of Buckthorn is a milder laxative more appropriate for the young and elderly.
  
  

Diuretic

• The juices and bark from Common Buckthorn produce diuretic and tonic action when consumed. Diuretic refers to the flushing of the kidneys and excretion of toxins through the urine, while a tonic is a more generalized term meaning a generation of increased health and well-being.
  
  

Colored Dyes

• According to A Modern Herbal, Common Buckthorn berries produce a yellow dye when picked before ripe and a green dye when picked ripe and mixed with gum-arabic and lime-water. The Alder Buckthorn leaves and bark also produces a yellow dye that turns black when mixed with iron chloride. The Alder berries produce green dye when unripe and blue or gray dye when ripe.