Cascara
Sagrada
(Rhamnus purshiana)
Native North American Indians ground the bark of this
tree into a fine powder and used it to brew a rich beverage. They held
this bark in high esteem, pronouncing it sacred and passing the title "The
Great Herb" down through generations. Cascara Sagrada is rich in essential
oils as well as B-complex, calcium, potassium, manganese and elemental
minerals.The medicinal properties of the small Cascara Sagrada tree are
found in its bark. If this herb is taken in large quantities it may cause
diarrhea and stomach upset.
Cascara Sagrada was used historically as a laxative.
Today, it is still considered to be an effective laxative for relief from
constipation. Although other laxatives in its family (i.e. Rhamnus
catharticus) are considered too harsh, Cascara Sagrada is considered
gentle and useful for treating everyone including children and the
elderly.
Cascara Sagrada has also been known to aid digestion
and to have antiseptic properties. In some instances, Cascara Sagrada has
been added to toothpaste in order to help prevent tooth decay.
Interestingly, due to its bitter taste, it may be put on finger nails to
discourage nail biting. *
For further information on Cascara
Sagrada, see Why You Need
Km - HERBS, The Great Healers in the "Walk of Life" v.s. Scientific
Medicine
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This
product is not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any
disease.