Cascara Sagrada

(California Buckthorn) – (Rhamnus purshiana) Part used: Bark. Properties: Hepatic, laxative, antispasmodic. What it affects: Colon, stomach, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Preparation and amount: Decoction (bark): Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily before meals or 1 cup during the day, cold. Tincture: Take 5-20 drops, morning and evening. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. at night before retiring. Syrup: Take 1/2 – 2 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Powder: Take 6-12 #0 capsules (10-100 grains) daily.

Purposes: Internally, cascara is one of the safest laxatives for chronic constipation. If used too much, it is habit forming. It is one of the best, commonest, and safest plant laxatives. It encourages peristalsis by irritating the bowels. The bitter principles in cascara stimulate the secretions of the entire digestive system – including the liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas.

• Cascara is excellent for intestinal gas, liver, and gallbladder problems, especially enlarged liver. It Is also used for gastric and intestinal disorders, indigestion and jaundice.

• In order to use it for its gentle, laxative effect, cascara is best taken not as a tea, but as tincture or in capsules. This is because it is so bitter. 

Note: The bark must be at least a year old before being used. Do not confuse cascara segrada (Rhamnus purshiana), sometimes called “buckthorn,” with buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula). They are both good, but different herbs.