What is the Herb Cascara Sagrada Used For?

Commonly found in small amounts as an ingredient in many commercially available laxatives, Cascara sagrada extract is prepared from the bark of the Cascara sagrada tree. It can be very dangerous if taken for long periods of time. If you plan on using Cascara sagrada as a laxative, it is strongly recommended that you do so only with the supervision of your health care provider.

Facts

• Cascara sagrada is Spanish for "sacred bark," and is commonly referred to as Cascara or Cascara buckthorn. Its scientific name is Rhamnus purshiana, and this deciduous tree is native to the Pacific Northwest. The bark must be stored for a year after drying in order to prevent vomiting when ingested. "Cascara is used by itself, in preparations with other laxatives, in herbal teas, in solid form and as an extract," states Medicine Hunter.

History

• Historically, Cascara was used by Native Americans in California for medicinal purposes, including as a laxative for constipation. In 1877, American physicians transformed Cascara sagrada into medication a century after Spanish priests named the tree. In 1894, Cascara was first listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia. "Both Parke-Davis & Co. and Eli Lilly & Co. introduced laxative drugs containing Cascara sagrada," mentions Medicine Hunter.

Dose

• Herbs 2000 suggests only using the dried form of Cascara sagrada for preparation of the herb. Two capsules taken a maximum of twice a day, or 1 to 5 ml in tincture form daily during treatment is recommended, combined with eight 6-oz glasses of water to prevent dehydration. You should not take Cascara longer than 8 to 10 days maximum, followed by a period of rest to ensure optimal health.

Identification

• The average Cascara sagrada tree grows 20 to 30 feet tall when mature and has a circumference of 1 and 1/2 feet. Its bark is reddish-brown and the elliptical-shaped leaves are green or yellow-green. This tree bears greenish-white flowers in May through June and provides rounded black fruit in September. Each fruit contains two or three smooth seeds, according to Herbs 2000.

Warnings

• "Cascara is a strong laxative, and although it works, the U.S. FDA warns that it is not safe to use," states Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Cascara can cause you to have dangerously low sodium, chloride and potassium levels if used long-term, and may cause cancer. Dangerous drops in levels of essential minerals, like potassium, can lead to serious health issues and death, points out Herbs 2000.

  You may notice discoloration in your urine, and Cascara can provide inconclusive results in urinalysis. Your liver may be harmed by the use of Cascara, further warns Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Talk to your health care provider to determine if there will be any drug interaction. Do not take Cascara if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not take if you have an intestinal obstruction. Medical studies have not shown any benefit to using Cascara sagrada to fight cancer.