Cascara sagrada
Frangula purshiana
Herbs & Roots. Native American, Western & European and Dr. Sebi's list.
Also called Sacred bark, Chittem bark, Bearwood
Spanish: Cáscara sagrada
Not for long-term useThe dried bark of a Pacific Northwest tree that is used as a laxative for constipation.
Did you know? Its bark is usually aged for about a year before use, because fresh bark can cause cramps and vomiting.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Constipation. Used for constipation for decades. Human studies are few and old.Early proof
- Cleansing & detox. Sold as a bowel cleanse. Colon cleanse claims have no good proof.Not supported
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest used the bark as a laxative and for other digestive problems. It later became a common laxative in early American medicine.
How it is classified
How people take it
Usually taken as a capsule or liquid, often at bedtime, at small label doses. Use only for short periods, and do not take it daily for months.
Capsule, tincture and tea.
Where to get it
A small tree of the Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to northern California. Bark is peeled from wild trees and aged. Sold as dried bark, capsules and liquid extract.
Be careful
Can cause cramps, diarrhea and dependence on laxatives. Long-term use can damage bowel nerves and lead to a dark, damaged colon called cathartic colon. It can drain potassium, which is dangerous with some heart and water pill drugs. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and bowel blockage.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; children under 12; bowel blockage; kidney disease.
Mixing with other things
- Use cautionWater pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
Both can drain potassium, which raises the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
- Use cautionHeart rhythm medicine (digoxin, amiodarone)
Low potassium from this laxative can make heart drugs such as digoxin more dangerous.
The honest take
Cascara works as a laxative, and it has been used for decades, but human studies are few and old. Long-term use can damage the bowel and cause dependence. It is on Dr. Sebi's list, and his claims that it cleanses the bowel or blood are not supported by research.