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Cascara Sagrada (dried, cut and sifted, 3 ounces)

Botanical Name: Rhamnus purshiana

Family: Rhamnaceae

Folk History and Use

The bark of cascara sagrada is probably the most popular cathartic on earth. Traditionally used as a laxative by North American Indians, its use became popular among the pioneers of the Pacific northwest in the early 1800's.

Early settlers in the west made a cold infusion by soaking a piece of bark overnight and taking it as a tonic. They prepared a laxative potion by boiling fresh bark for several hours or by pouring boiling water over a small amount of pulverized dried bark and letting it cool.

The herb is a popular treatment for chronic constipation because it does not seem to be habit forming. It is said to increase the secretion of bile and seems to be good for liver complaints, especially in cases of enlarged liver. Another reported use for this herb is in cases of gas in the stomach (dyspepsia) and in the treatment of piles, since it produces large, soft and painless evacuations.

Medical Properties

Definite Action

Stimulates peristaltic action in the colon (anthraquinone glycosides)

Probable Action

Digestive Aid (?)

Possible Action

Anti-leukemic (?)

Lithotriptic (?)

Hepatic tonic (?)

The primary active principles are anthraquinone compounds, 10 to 20% being O-glycosides based on emodin, 80 to 90% being C-glycosides (aloin-like) including barbaloin.

These constituents have a cathartic effect through stimulating peristalsis of the large intestine and bring about their action in 6 to 8 hours. They are absorbed from the small intestine and act on the nerves of the large intestine. This stimulates motor propulsion in the colon. Because the anthraquinones are absorbed, the laxative effect can be transmitted to infants of nursing mothers taking cascara sagrada.

Typical Daily Usage:

Fresh bark: Do Not Eat

Dried Bark: 1-3 gm

Extract: 2 gm dried bark, 10 ml alcohol, 10 ml water

*Note: The descriptions of the products that we sell suggest traditional uses and are not intended to take the place of your Medical Doctor's advice and perscriptions. Many uses of these products are not accepted by the FDA, and not all uses have been scientifically validated. This is intended for educational purposes, and not as a means to diagnose, prescribe or treat disease.

* Note: images might vary slightly from actual product, see product title and description. Some items are available in multiple sizes (see below), the photos might only depict one of the available sizes.

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