Dried, aged cascara sagrada bark is often prescribed for chronic constipation. The herb must be allowed to age at least a year before use to break down its anthrone chemicals. The bark contains compounds called anthraquinones (cascarosides A and B) which are transformed by intestinal bacteria into substances that act on the nerves in the intestinal tract, helping to pass stools.
Do not use this product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a health care provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for long-term use. Take with adequate fluids. Not for use by persons that have appendicitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. If you experience cramping, reduce the dosage. If the bark is not aged it is a purgative and will cause intense intestinal spasms and vomiting.
Plant Description
All variants of this berry-bearing tree belong to the buckthorn family, the most preferred in plant medicine is cascara sagrada which grows in the Pacific Northwest. All have one therapeutic use as a very strong laxative. Named "sacred bark" by early Spanish explorers in America.
** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **
All variants of this berry-bearing tree belong to the buckthorn family, the most preferred in plant medicine is cascara sagrada which grows in the Pacific Northwest. All have one therapeutic use as a very strong laxative. Named "sacred bark" by early Spanish explorers in America.
