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.

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