CASCARAS SAGRANDA bark

Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana), Cascara Sagrada
Other Names: Cascara sagrada

Cascara is a tree native to the Pacific Coast states of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. The bark of the tree is traditionally cut into small pieces by Native Americans and dried for a year before being used for medicinal purposes.

Key Properties: Mild laxative. Bitter tonic

Uses: Cascara can be used for chronic constipation because it enhances peristalsis and stimulates the relaxed muscles of the digestive system. It has been proven to be a treatment for constipation by the United States Pharmacopeia in 1890.

How is it used?
The bark as a decoction: boil half a teaspoon in a cup of water, remove from heat and leave for 10 minutes. The drink should be drunk before bedtime. It is necessary to drink enough water during the day for as long as Cascara is used. It should be combined with aromatics and herbs, such as Licorice.

Special precautions:
It should not be taken continuously for more than 8-10 days.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 12 years of age should not take Cascara without medical advice.
People with intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease, appendicitis, or abdominal pain should not use Cascara.
Long-term use or abuse may result in impaired intestinal function and cause loss of
electrolytes (mainly potassium).