Cascara Sagrada
(Rhamnus purshiana)
Also know as Sacred bark
Botanical Information
Large shrub to small tree with yellowish-green oval leaves and red stems. The purple-black bitter sweet berries are also laxative. Keeps birds regular.
Working with Cascara Sagrada
Part(s) Used
Bark
Herb Forms
Capsules, tinctures, bulk herb, powder.
Cascara sagrada is an excellent laxative, which moistens and helps re-educate bowels that are atonic and not working properly. It is also used for hemorrhoids and jaundice, and it increases the liver’s ability to produce bile. Its bitter and slightly sweet nature makes cascara a stimulating tonic. Another side of cascara is its bitter and cool nature which is useful for relieving “damp heat,” a condition that predisposes to infections of the abdominal and pelvic area like bladder infections, bowel infections, and vaginal infections. Cascara tea may be applied as a wash for lice or scabies.
The indicated dose is for mild cases of constipation or other conditions. For stubborn cases, use the indicated dose morning and evening.
Cascara Sagrada has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy. Not for long-term use (more than two weeks) without the advice of an experienced herbalist. Contraindicated in intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, and inflammatory conditions of the intestines. If symptoms persist, or if the ca
Conditions treated with Cascara Sagrada
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
mild stimulant laxative
Application
capsules, tablets, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
stimulant laxative
Application
capsule, tablet, tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.