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Cascara Sagrada
(Rhamnus purshiani cortex)
Description
Also called "chitting bark," this herb is said to
be the most common laxative in both herbal medicine and orthodox
pharmacy. Used during the California Gold Rush, cascara sagrada
induces contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines, thereby
effectively expelling waste from the body.
Herbal Uses
Cascara was a popular treatment
in Europe for Constipation.
Suggested Intakes
Part of the plant used:
BARK.
Use the smallest amount
necessary of dried cascara (1).
Typical dosages:
capsules, providing 20-30 mg cascarosides daily
tincture, 1-5 ml daily
Use for a maximum of 8-10
days (2).
Drink 8 6-oz cups of water daily.
Supplemental Uses
Constipation:
Cascara sagrada contains cascarosides, a form of anthraquinone,
which increase the muscular contraction of the large intestine,
inducing a bowel movement. The herb may also correct habituation
to other laxatives.
Gallstones:
Chelating agents in cascara may prevent the formation of Gallstones.
Immunological disorders:
Some constituents of cascara sagrada have been proven successful
for treatment of immunological disorders, such as leukaemia
and Skin graft rejection.
Liver disorders:
The herb may also be used to treat liver disorders.
Safety and Precautions
Heavy doses of cascara sagrada
produce Cramping and Diarrhoea. Anthraquinones, a chemical
component of the herb, can pass into the mother’s milk
with laxative effects on the baby. Children under 12 and pregnant
or nursing women should not use cascara sagrada without first
consulting a physician.
People with intestinal obstruction,
Crohn’s disease, appendicitis, or abdominal Pain should
avoid using cascara sagrada (3).
Long-term use of cascara
sagrada may lead to loss of electrolytes, especially Potassium
, and weakened colon.
Interactions and Contra-Indications
Do not use with digitalis,
for cascara sagrada increases the toxicity of digitalis. Concurrent
loss of Potassium
while using digitalis may be fatal.
Loss of Potassium
can potentiate the cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic agents.
Cascara sagrada may interfere
with anticoagulant therapy.
References
1. Bradley PR, ed.
British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK:
British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 52-54.
2. Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical
Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
3. Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical
Council. Austin, TX. 1998. | 
