What is buckthorn oil?

Buckthorn oil is an herbal supplement used to help asthma, decrease chest pain, lower cholesterol, loosen phlegm and prevent blood vessel disease, according to WebMD. Many other uses for buckthorn oil exist, both medicinally and for vitamin supplementation.

Buckthorn oil comes from sea buckthorn herbs and is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E and amino acids. WebMD notes that one of buckthorn oil's side effects its that it may slow down blood clotting. As such, this oil should not be taken two weeks prior to any surgery. Buckthorn oil should not be used if pregnant, because not enough is known about its effects on pregnancy.