BLACKTHORN

OTHER NAME(S):

Blackthorn Berry, Blackthorn Flower, Blackthorn Fruit, Buisson Noir, Créquier, Endrino, Épine Noire, Épinette, Fourdinier, Mère-du-Bois, Pélosse, Pélossier, Prunellier, Pruni Spinosae Flos, Pruni Spinosae Fructus, Prunier Sauvage, Prunus spinosa, Sloe, Sloe Berry, Sloe Flower, Wild Plum Flower.

Overview

Overview Information

Blackthorn is a plant. The berry and dried flower are used as medicine.

Despite safety concerns, people take blackthorn flower to treat colds, breathing conditions, cough, fluid retention, general exhaustion, upset stomach, kidney and bladder problems, and constipation; and to treat and prevent stomach spasms. Some people use it to cause sweating. Blackthorn flower is also an ingredient in some “blood cleansing” teas.

Blackthorn berry is used as a mouth rinse (gargle) for mild sore throat and mouth. The syrup and wine of the blackthorn berry are used for emptying the bowels and increasing urine production to relieve fluid retention (as a diuretic). A marmalade made from the berry is used for upset stomach.

Some people apply blackthorn flower directly to the skin for rashes, “skin impurities,” and “blood purification.”

In foods, blackthorn flower is used in herbal teas as a coloring agent.

How does it work?

Blackthorn berries contain chemicals called tannins that might reduce swelling (inflammation).

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of blackthorn for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Blackthorn might be UNSAFE when swallowed. It contains poisonous chemicals.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE for anyone to take blackthorn by mouth because it contains poisonous chemicals. But it is especially important for pregnant women to avoid using blackthorn because it contains chemicals that can cause birth defects.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for BLACKTHORN Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of blackthorn depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for blackthorn. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  • McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  • Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty .