Cascara Sagrada Herbal Remedies
Cascara sagrada is an excellent laxative, which moistens and helps re-educate bowels that are atonic and not working properly. It is also used for hemorrhoids and jaundice, and it increases the liver's ability to produce bile. Its bitter and slightly sweet nature makes cascara a stimulating tonic. Another side of cascara is its bitter and cool nature which is useful for relieving "damp heat," a condition that predisposes to infections of the abdominal and pelvic area like bladder infections, bowel infections, and vaginal infections. Cascara tea may be applied as a wash for lice or scabies. The indicated dose is for mild cases of constipation or other conditions. For stubborn cases, use the indicated dose morning and evening. Cascara Sagrada has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD.
Cascara Sagrada Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Cascara Sagrada Capsules | 4-6 capsules before bedtime |
| Cascara Sagrada Infusion | 1 cup before bedtime |
| Cascara Sagrada Tincture | 1/2 teaspoon before bedtime |
Cascara Sagrada Reference Information
| Latin Name | Rhamnus purshiana |
| Other Names | Sacred bark |
| Part Used | Bark |
| Herb Forms | Capsules, tinctures, bulk herb, powder. |
| Affects | Digestive system, Liver |
| Cautions | Avoid during pregnancy. Not for long-term use (more than two weeks) without the advice of an experienced herbalist. Contraindicated in intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, and inflammatory conditions of the intestines. If symptoms persist, or if the ca |
| Botanical Info | Large shrub to small tree with yellowish-green oval leaves and red stems. The purple-black bitter sweet berries are also laxative. Keeps birds regular. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.