Latin Name: Rhamnus purshiana
Alternate Names: Sacred Bark, Chittem Bark
Family: RHAMNACEAE
Parts Used: Dried, aged bark.
Properties: Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cathartic, Digestive Tonic, Emetic, Hepatic, Laxative, Nervine, Purgative, Tonic.
Internal Uses: Colitis, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gallstones, Hemorrhoids, Herpes, Indigestion, Jaundice
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
This extremely bitter herb stimulates digestive secretions. To prevent gripe, it is best combined with some carminative herbs such as Anise, Fennel or Caraway seeds. The anthraquinones irritate the intestinal wall, causing peristaltic activity. If using Cascara, the best time to use it is before bedtime so that its effects can take place in the morning. It is still effective even when used over a period of time.
Topical Uses: Herpes
Topical Applications: Wash for herpes lesions. Tincture has been applied to fingernails as a deterrent to children who bite their nails.
Energetics: Bitter, Cold.
Chemical Constituents: Anthraquinones (emodin, frangulin, isomodin, chrysophanol), tannin.
Contraindications: Never use fresh bark. It must be aged for at least one year before use so as to reduce the griping effect. It is not considered habit forming, but one should only use on occassion. Excess can cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid in cases of ulcers, irritable bowel, colitis and hemorrhoids.
Comments: Literally, Cascara Sagrada means Sacred Bark, a name given by Spanish Americans who observed Native Americans using the plants. It is a shrub, native to North America. Over-harvesting has decimated the number of trees in the wild.