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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.