Also Known As - Rhamnus purshiana, Bitter Bark, Buckthorn, California Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Chittem Bark, Dogwood Bark, Purshiana Bark, Rhamni Purshianae Cortex, Sacred Bark, Sagrada Bark, Yellow Bark, Frangula Purshiana.
Overview - This tree is native to southwestern Canada and the Pacific northwest of the United States. It likes to grow near streams and in moist areas of hardwood forests. The translation of the common name is “Sacred Bark”, and Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest passed along information on its use and preparation to the Spanish and other settlers. It has been an official preparation in the United States Pharmacopeia first listed in 1890. Eclectic Physicians in the United States would have been familiar with this herb as the Eli Lilly and Company Pharmaceutical Company introduced a combination formula called “Elixir Purgans” containing cascara and other herbs in 1877.
Medicinal Uses - Cascara Sagrada is most well known for it's laxative properties and the constituents called cascarosides and emodins have been well documented to have these properties.* The bark must be aged for at least a year in order to render these properties safely and effectively in herbal preparations. The aged dried bark supports normal peristalsis moving digested food through the alimentary canal effectively and supports the body's natural elimination processes. Externally, Cascara bark extracts are used to stop habitual nail biting.
Active Constituents - Hydroxyanthraquinone glycosides (Cascarosides a,b,c,and d), emodin
Parts Used - Properly aged bark of at least 1 year.
Preparations - Tablets, tinctures and extracts. Teas are bitter and hard to drink but have a gentler laxative action.
Precautions - For occasional use only as it is a bulk forming laxative and should be taken with adequate fluids.
You should not use Cascara Sagrada or any other laxative if you have appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. Not recommended for children under 12. Cascara sagrada is not known to be safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Disclaimer - These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Mountain Maus Remedies LLC makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.