Rhamnaceae Frangula purshiana (DC.) Cooper
Pursh's Buckthorn
Hesquiat - Drug, Laxative
Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J. and Barbara S. Efrat, 1982, Ethnobotany of the Hesquiat Indians of Vancouver Island, Victoria. British Columbia Provincial Museum, page 71
View all documented uses for
Frangula purshiana (DC.) Cooper
Scientific name: Frangula purshiana (DC.) Cooper
USDA symbol: FRPU7 (
View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Pursh's Buckthorn
Family: Rhamnaceae
Family (APG): Rhamnaceae
Native American Tribe: Hesquiat
Use category: Drug
Use sub-category: Laxative
Notes: Decoction of bark, infusion of bark or chewed bark used as a laxative. It was believed that the bigger the tree, the stronger the medicine. Thick bark from the larger trees was used if a very strong dose was required; thin bark from young trees was used for a mild dose.
RECRD: 695 id: 15092