Cascara Sagrada
June 9, 2010 by Becki Baumgartner
Filed under Herbology, Supplements
CASCARA SAGRADA
Botanical name: Cascara Sagrada, Rhammus purskiani cortex
Common name: Sacred bark, chitten bark
Habitat: Cascara is a small medium sized tree native to the provinces and states of the Pacific coast, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. The bark of the tree is removed, cut into small pieces and dried for one year before being used medicinally. Fresh cascara bark has an emetic or vomit – inducing property and therefore is not used.
Info: The bitter principles of cascara bark stimulates the secretions of the entire digestive system including the liver, gallbladder stomach and pancreas. It is one of the safest tonic – laxative herbs known and can be used on a daily basis for chronic constipation. Northern California Indians introduced the herb which they called sacred bark, to the 16th century Spanish explorers. It is used for treatment in constipation.
Personal info: I use Cascara in a colon detoxification powdered capsule form with other herbs and also in a decoction formula that is a bit stronger for constipation.
*only bark that has been dried for one year should be used.
*people with intestinal obstruction, Crohn’s disease, appendicitis or abdominal pain should not use this herb. Long term use can also cause a loss of electrolytes (especially the mineral potassium) certain medicines may interact with cascara, refer to the drug interaction website http://www.drugdigest.org
Ref:
www.naturalmedicine.com Prock, Deborahe N.D.
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, L.Ae, O.M.D. pg. 111-112
Submitted by: Jyll Renee, Master Herbologist (Click here to learn more about Jyll Renee.)
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Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.