:Rhamnus, purshiana:
Cascara-sagrada, Sacred-bark, Buckthorn

:Cascara bark tea is traditionally drunk as a laxative by Nuxalk, Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-hulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw, and a decoction of the inner bark and water is a remedy for dysentry. Cascara has gentle laxative effects; stimulating parastalsis in the colon and tonifying the intestines. It may help constipation, gallbladder and liver issues, parasites, worms, kidney stones and hemorrhoids. It is an anti-spasmodic and a safe laxative.

Breimer D., D., Baars A., J., "Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Anthraquinone Laxatives" Pharmacology, Vol 14, Pg 30-47, 1976.

Cascara is helpful for chronic constipation in the elderly.

Marchesi, M., Marcato, M.and Silvestrini, C. "A laxative mixture in the therapy of constipation in aged patients." Giornale di Clinica Medica, Vol 63, Pg 850-863, 1982

Cascara helps detoxify and restore tone to the colon. Cascara is used in the treatment of jaundice, hemorroids and colic and to stimulate the pancreas, gallbladder and stomach. Cascara is used to strengthen and stimulate the liver.

Cudlin, J., Blumauerova, N. Steinerova, N.m Mateju, J. and Zalabak, V. "Biological activity of hydroxyanthraquinones and their glucosides toward microorganisms." Folia Mecroviologica Vol 21, Pg 54-57, 1976

Cascara is a chelating agent to prevent formation of calcium-containing urinary stones, and for liver disease.

Culbreth, D.M.R. A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology. Philadelphia, Pg 99, 1927

Cascara sagrada. is one of the most useful of all laxatives, since not only does it empty the bowel of faecal matter, but it acts as a tonic to the intestine and tends to prevent future constipation.

Encyclopedia (1911)

Hydroxymethylanthraquinones in cascara cause peristalsis of the large intestine, with little or no effect on the small intestine in small dosages, so it is best to use the smallest dose that works. The bark is harvested in late October and early November because the sap is descended down the trunk. Fresh bark is nauseating, so after harvest, the bark is aged before use.

Pojar & MacKinnon, 1994

Turner et al., 1980

Use:

As an herbal dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily, with water or juice on an empty stomach. Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain. Consult a health practitioner if you have frequent diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health practitioner.

Caution:

Cascara is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Cascara may affect the actions of cardiac glycosides (digitalis), corticosteroids (prednisone, cortisone, hydrocortisone), licorice root, diuretics, and orally administered medications.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs - Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:95,96,97.

Brinker F, ed. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications;1998: 47, 153, 161, 176, 182, 185.

Use of cascara for more than ten days consecutively may cause a loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. Medications that also cause potassium loss, such as some diuretics, should be used with caution when taking cascara.

European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP). Frangulae cortex, frangula bark. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Exeter, UK: University of Exeter, Centre for Complementary Health Studies, 1997.

Loss of potassium due to cascara abuse could theoretically increase the effects of digoxin and similar heart medications, with potentially fatal consequences, but no actual cases of interaction have been reported.

King's American Dispensatory (1898)