Cascara Sagrada and What It Can Do for You

Cascara Sagrada is well known for its ability to cure constipation since the bark is a powerful laxative. It is believed that the bark can also improve the strength of the colon. Cascara Sagrada—also known as rhamnus purshiana, California buckthorn and is translated from Spanish as sacred bark—made its mark on history thanks to Native Americans. 

The reason cascara sagrada is such a potent laxative is due to compounds called anthroquinones. These compounds help stimulate the colon, cause contractions and increase the body’s urge to have a bowel movement.

Cascara Sagrada is usually taken in capsules, liquid extract and dried bark, which can be used for tea. It is also typically consumed in doses of 300 mg capsules that are taken in the evening to stimulate a bowel movement the following morning. Cascara sagrada shouldn’t be taken for more than seven days in a row and if fresh, the bark should also not be ingested since it causes vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

It is not recommended that children or women who are pregnant or nursing ingest cascara sagrada. Also, cascara sagrada is not for you if you suffer from Crohn’s disease, heart disease, kidney disease and a series of other ailments.