Cascara Sagrada
Natural Healing Herbs

Cascara sagrada is a commonly used as a laxative and was in many over-the-counter laxatives until the FDA banned the use of it in these products in 2002.

Other Names

This herb is also known as sacred bark, California buckthorn, Bearberry, and rhamnus purshiana

Appearance

California buckthorn is a tall shrub or small tree. It can grow to be 15 meters tall, but it usually grows to be about 5 to 10 meters tall.

The bark is a silvery brown and the leaves are light green and shiny on the top and fuzzy on the bottom. Flowers bloom on the plant in early summer and it has small dark berries.

Origins

This plant is native to the northern Pacific coast of North America.

Parts Used

Dried bark is used in natural remedies. The bark must be dried for 1 year before use. Fresh bark will cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Medicinal Uses

Cascara sagrada is a powerful herbal laxative that was used by Native Americans of the northwest Pacific coast for many years. Later it was used by European settlers of that region to treat constipation. The herb causes peristalsis (contractions of the colon) and it tones the walls of the colon.

You can by this herb and many others at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Side Effects and Warnings

This herb shouldn't be taken if you have ulcerative colitis, Chrohn's disease, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, severe anemia, liver disease, kidney disease, appendicitis or recent colon surgery. Do not take this herb if you are pregnant or nursing. Don't give this herb to children. As with any laxative you shouldn't use it for a prolonged period of time because you may become dependent. Don't use this more than 7 days in a row.

It may interact with other drugs so if you are taking prescription medication ask your doctor before using it. You also shouldn't use it with aloe or licorice because both of these herbs cause potassium loss..

Possible side effects may include electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and strong abdominal cramping. You could get dark pigmentation in the colon with long term use.

If you have discolored urine, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting see your doctor immediately.

If you found this information useful, check out my complete listing of herbs at my Herb Index. You can find a listing of ailments and their natural treatments on my Free Home Remedies page.