Information On Cascara - Hamnus Purshianus
Other Common Names: Bitter Bark, California Buckthorn,
Cascara Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Chittem Bark, Dogwood Bark,
Purshiana Bark, Pursh's Buckthorn, Sacred Bark, Sagrada Bark, Yellow
Bark, Rhamnus purshianus
Range: Western N. America - British Columbia to California.
Habitat: Rich bottom lands and sides of canyons, usually in coniferous forests.
Native to the Pacific Northwest, Cascara probably earned the name
"sacred bark" through its ability to relieve constipation so quickly.
Cascara sagrada is widely used as a gentle laxative that restores
tone to the bowel muscles and thus makes repeated doses unnecessary.
The bark is harvested on a commercial basis from wild trees and
plantations in western N. America. It should be harvested in the autumn
or spring at least 12 months before it is used medicinally, in order to
allow the more violent purgative effect to be mollified with age. Three
year old bark is considered to be the best age. It is considered
suitable for delicate and elderly persons and is very useful in cases
of chronic constipation.
The bark also has tonic properties, promoting gastric digestion and
appetite. As well as its uses as a laxative, it is taken internally in
the treatment of digestive complaints, haemorrhoids, liver problems and
jaundice. This remedy should be used with caution since in excess it
causes vomiting and diarrhea. It should not be prescribed for pregnant
or lactating women, or patients with intestinal obstruction. An
infusion of the bark is sometimes painted over finger nails in the hope
that the bitter taste will deter the person from biting their nails.
Fruit - raw or cooked. A thin, rather juicy flesh. It is sometimes
eaten. There is some debate as to whether the fruit is edible or
slightly toxic. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter and contains 2 - 3
small seeds.
An extract of the bark, with the bitterness removed (by drying?) is
a common flavoring for soft drinks, baked goods and ice cream.
Known Hazards: There is the suggestion that this species could be mildly poisonous.
Do not take Cascara if you have an intestinal obstruction,
appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or an inflammatory
intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel
syndrome, or Crohn's disease. Not for children under 12.
Avoid the fresh rind of the Cascara plant. Taking it can lead to
intestinal spasms and pain, bloody diarrhea, and kidney irritation.
Other Common Names: Bitter Bark, California Buckthorn,
Cascara Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Chittem Bark, Dogwood Bark,
Purshiana Bark, Pursh's Buckthorn, Sacred Bark, Sagrada Bark, Yellow
Bark, Rhamnus purshianus
Range: Western N. America - British Columbia to California.
Habitat: Rich bottom lands and sides of canyons, usually in coniferous forests.
Native to the Pacific Northwest, Cascara probably earned the name
"sacred bark" through its ability to relieve constipation so quickly.
Cascara sagrada is widely used as a gentle laxative that restores
tone to the bowel muscles and thus makes repeated doses unnecessary.
The bark is harvested on a commercial basis from wild trees and
plantations in western N. America. It should be harvested in the autumn
or spring at least 12 months before it is used medicinally, in order to
allow the more violent purgative effect to be mollified with age. Three
year old bark is considered to be the best age. It is considered
suitable for delicate and elderly persons and is very useful in cases
of chronic constipation.
The bark also has tonic properties, promoting gastric digestion and
appetite. As well as its uses as a laxative, it is taken internally in
the treatment of digestive complaints, haemorrhoids, liver problems and
jaundice. This remedy should be used with caution since in excess it
causes vomiting and diarrhea. It should not be prescribed for pregnant
or lactating women, or patients with intestinal obstruction. An
infusion of the bark is sometimes painted over finger nails in the hope
that the bitter taste will deter the person from biting their nails.
Fruit - raw or cooked. A thin, rather juicy flesh. It is sometimes
eaten. There is some debate as to whether the fruit is edible or
slightly toxic. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter and contains 2 - 3
small seeds.
An extract of the bark, with the bitterness removed (by drying?) is
a common flavoring for soft drinks, baked goods and ice cream.
Known Hazards: There is the suggestion that this species could be mildly poisonous.
Do not take Cascara if you have an intestinal obstruction,
appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or an inflammatory
intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel
syndrome, or Crohn's disease. Not for children under 12.
Avoid the fresh rind of the Cascara plant. Taking it can lead to
intestinal spasms and pain, bloody diarrhea, and kidney irritation.
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