Cascara sagrada
Botanical Name: Rhamnus purshiana
Family: Rhamnaceae
Other Common Names: Sacred bark, Chittem bark, Californian Buckthorn, Bitter bark, Yellow bark
Historical & Culinary
I was unable to dig up much history on this herb other than that there are written records of its use in American medicine back to the 1870's, though it was long used prior to that by Native American groups of the northwest Pacific coast. Records of the use of its near relative Rhamnus catharticus, which is the European version, go back to the 13th century. In 1890 the American Rhamnus purshiana replaced the European Rhamnus catharticus as a more effective laxative, which is still used today in pharmaceutical medicines for this purpose.
The bark of the Cascara sagrada is best when aged at least one year, but preferably up to three years. This is to reduce the emetic (vomit inducing) effects, which are very strong in the fresh bark.
Medicinal
Parts used: Bark
Energy & Taste: Bitter, Cold
Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides, bitter principle, tannins and resin.
Systems affected: Colon, spleen, stomach, liver.
Properties: Laxative, bitter tonic, nervine, emetic.
This is a very bitter tasting herb, but extremely safe and effective. The bitter principle of the bark stimulates the secretions of the entire digestive system including the liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas. It is safe enough to be taken daily, if needed, for chronic constipation and is also used for hemorrhoids, liver failure, colitis and jaundice.
Personal Note: For many years I suffered from chronic constipation due mainly to irregular eating and sleeping habits (working third shift and never eating at the same time from one day to the next). Until I began to study herbalism and, through extension, the functions of the body's organs, it didn't seem like a real big deal. Once I realized that the digested food that was not being excreted on a daily basis, was actually rotting inside me and could possibly cause some very serious health problems, I wanted to take care of this problem immediately. I found that a formula with Cascara sagrada as the main ingredient taken a.m. and p.m. every day not only got me going again, but put my bowel movements on a regular schedule in a very short period of time. I can highly recommend this herb for anyone who is not eliminating daily.
Magickal
Element: not found
Planet: not found
Deity: not found
Powers: Legal Matters, Money, Protection
Uses: Sprinkle an infusion of the bark around your home before going to any court proceeding and it will help you win your case. Use in money spells and wear as an amulet against evil and to block hexes.
Family: Rhamnaceae
Other Common Names: Sacred bark, Chittem bark, Californian Buckthorn, Bitter bark, Yellow bark
Historical & Culinary
I was unable to dig up much history on this herb other than that there are written records of its use in American medicine back to the 1870's, though it was long used prior to that by Native American groups of the northwest Pacific coast. Records of the use of its near relative Rhamnus catharticus, which is the European version, go back to the 13th century. In 1890 the American Rhamnus purshiana replaced the European Rhamnus catharticus as a more effective laxative, which is still used today in pharmaceutical medicines for this purpose.
The bark of the Cascara sagrada is best when aged at least one year, but preferably up to three years. This is to reduce the emetic (vomit inducing) effects, which are very strong in the fresh bark.
Medicinal
Parts used: Bark
Energy & Taste: Bitter, Cold
Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides, bitter principle, tannins and resin.
Systems affected: Colon, spleen, stomach, liver.
Properties: Laxative, bitter tonic, nervine, emetic.
This is a very bitter tasting herb, but extremely safe and effective. The bitter principle of the bark stimulates the secretions of the entire digestive system including the liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas. It is safe enough to be taken daily, if needed, for chronic constipation and is also used for hemorrhoids, liver failure, colitis and jaundice.
Personal Note: For many years I suffered from chronic constipation due mainly to irregular eating and sleeping habits (working third shift and never eating at the same time from one day to the next). Until I began to study herbalism and, through extension, the functions of the body's organs, it didn't seem like a real big deal. Once I realized that the digested food that was not being excreted on a daily basis, was actually rotting inside me and could possibly cause some very serious health problems, I wanted to take care of this problem immediately. I found that a formula with Cascara sagrada as the main ingredient taken a.m. and p.m. every day not only got me going again, but put my bowel movements on a regular schedule in a very short period of time. I can highly recommend this herb for anyone who is not eliminating daily.
Magickal
Element: not found
Planet: not found
Deity: not found
Powers: Legal Matters, Money, Protection
Uses: Sprinkle an infusion of the bark around your home before going to any court proceeding and it will help you win your case. Use in money spells and wear as an amulet against evil and to block hexes.
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