Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus Purshiana), as recorded in many herbal books, is world''s most well know "herb to cure constipation". Back in 16th century, Spanish explorers who first came to Northern California were suffering from constipation. However, their constipation troubles were solved by the Native Indians who shared their sacred herbs with the explorers.

This sacred herb was Cascara Sagrada, which means "sacred bark" The explorer's sent this "sacred bark" to Spain, where Spanish found that it is similar to Buck Thorn, a powerful laxative used throughout Europe since ancient times. Once Spanish discovered that cascara sagrada is actually more effective than buck thorn, they welcomed the new herb with enthusiasm.

However, because the Spanish explorers were more interested in finding gold than introducing this new herb in the new world, for a long period, cascara sagrada remained as a Midwest seaside region's folk remedy.

In 1877, Detroit's eclectic scholars recommended cascara sagrada as a home remedy laxative, and was marketed by a pharmaceutical company of the period. Since then, casara sagrada has been known as effective, safe laxative.

In 1890, it was placed in American pharmacopoeia where is remains to this date as a conventional treatment for laxative.

Moreover, Appalachian locals have used cascara sagrada as anticancer herb, however, there are many arguments about its use for cancer, and there are many researches in progress.

Recently, it was discovered that cascara sagrada's bark contains oil that are similar to hormones that stimulate contraction of intestinal tract. Also, it is non-addictive, and can be safely used as laxative that can restore normal functions of intestinal tract to restore normal bowel movement, without any abdominal pain. It can also used for a long period, without loosing intestinal muscular nerve tension.

Moreover, cascara sagrada is an herb that promotes stomach, liver, and pancreatic secretions and removal of gallstones, and aids liver in removal of gallstones.

Indications:

Today, cascara sagrada is commonly used as a laxative.

It is important to remember that as indicated by eclectic scholars in 19th century, it is not a temporary treatment, but an "herb that restores normal functions of intestinal tract".

1. Its an herb that can be safely used to treat constipation

Cascara sagrada contains Anthraquinones, which promotes contraction of intestinal tract. Herbs like aloe, buck thorn, senna which are known as "anthraquinones constipation treatments" mildly stimulates intestinal tract, and rarely cause undesirable side effects like vomiting and nausea, and intestinal spasm, and etc.

2. It can be used to treat high blood pressure

3. It can be used in treatment of leukemia

Cascara sagrada contains aloe-emodin, which in animal studies have shown positive results in treatment of leukemia (since not all animal studies are successful in human, more studies needs to be done on this herb).

4. Can be used for indigestion, cholelithiasis, cough, and throat infection

Its also has function intestinal tract cleaning, and source of vitamin B-C complex, calcium, potassium and etc.

Preparation:

Cascara sagrada is a 20-30 feet tall deciduous tree that flowers during May-June, it cannot be grown in a garden, and because the fresh bark are very potent, it must be dried and stored for at least a year before using.

Because this herb is very bitter, it can be made into a tincture without loosing any effectiveness. Place 1 teaspoon of well dried and crumbled herb into 3 cups of water and boil for about 30 minutes. Drink 1 cup of the tea before bed.

Caution:

1. Should be avoided in case of ulcer or ulcerative colitis

2. Not for pregnancy

Cascara sagrada is safe herb, however, if discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal spasm occurs, lower dosage or stop use, and consult health professional/acupuncturist